Mechanical, rheological properties and phase morphology of polymer blends based on poly(butylene terepathalate) and high density polyethylene carboxylate ionomer compatibilizer

Abstract

Polymer blending is a well-established route for the development of new polymer. In this study, poly(butylene terepathalate) and high density polyethylene blended with a ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer, in which the MAA acid groups had been partially neutralized with sodium ions (Surlyn®), were used as compatibilizer. The blend samples were prepared with different concentrations of compatibilizer (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 phr) and added to different ratios of PBT/HDPE (100/0, 80/20, 70/30, 50/50, 30/70, 20/80, 0/100). The blend samples were analyzed by a series of instruments: rheometer, universal tensile machine, dynamic mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscope. By varying the amount of compatibilizer, the viscosity of the blend increased, finer and smaller dispersed droplet size micrographs were observed. and the impact strength of the new material was reduced compared to blends without added compatibilizer. The tensile modulus were not remarkably changed, but 1 phr of Surlyn obviously increased tensile strength when compared with uncompatibilized blend.