Abstract:
Blends of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and natural rubber (NR) blend is quite immiscible. Maleic anhydride (MA), added to the blend in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP), acts as a reactive compatibilizer, since it improves the blend properties by producing a graft copolymer. A variety of reaction products can occur, depending on the processing conditions and the blend composition. The blends were prepared at different processing conditions and characterized each separated phase by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis to gain insight into the in situ compatibilization. The blends were investigated for tensile properties and gel content. It was found that the most suitable process condition occurs at 150℃ and, for LLDPE/NR compositions 90/10 and 50/50, at rotor speeds of 50 and 30 rpm, respectively. The gel content increased with increasing amount of DCP. The percentage of grafted copolymer containing MA increased as the amount of MA content increased.
