Abstract. Dicumyl peroxide (DCP)-cured thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on blends of maleated ethylene propylene rubber (m-EPM) and polypropylene (PP) using maleated-PP as a compatibilizer have been developed. Physical properties of these TPVs change significantly with concentrations of DCP and rubber/plastic blend ratios. Important correlations were obtained from rheometer delta torque values with various physical properties of the TPVs like tension set and crosslink density etc. Wide angle X-ray diffraction study confirms that concentration of DCP has a strong influence on the crystallinity of PP, which might affect the final physical properties of TPVs. The recyclability and ageing characteristics of these TPVs are also found excellent.

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are a special class of thermoplastic elastomer, produced by simultaneously mixing and cross-linking a rubber with a thermoplastic at elevated temperature. Dicumyl peroxide-cured TPVs based on blends of maleated ethylene propylene rubber (m-EPM) and polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic using maleated-PP as a compatibilizer have been developed. To reinforce the properties of these TPVs, nanosilica was added at different levels. With the increase of nanosilica concentrations, significant improvement in tensile strength, modulus, and impact strength of TPVs have been achieved. Morphology study shows that nanosilica is uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrices. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows that tan d value at low temperature decreases with increasing nanosilica concentration indicating less damping characteristics. Thermogravimetric study revealed that thermal stability of TPVs is improved in presence of nanosilica. Equilibrium swelling study confirms that solvent resistance of TPVs could be improved by nanofiller incorporation. Rubber process analyzer found a very useful tool to understand the melt rheology of nanosilica filled TPVs in terms of dynamic functions over a wide range of strain amplitude and frequency.

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The role of demographic factors (age, gender, income, education, and occupation) and various apparel product categories on the online impulse buying behaviour (OIBB) of apparel consumers is investigated in this research. Data was collected using a convenience sampling (non-probability) method. The 404 apparel customers in Delhi (NCR) participated in the survey using a structured questionnaire. Multiple regression, percentage analysis, and chi-square tests were performed for data analysis. The multiple regression results revealed that gender, age, education, and occupation were significantly and inversely associated with the impulse buying behaviour of apparel consumers. Further, the results indicated that income was significant and directly associated with the OIBB for apparel consumers. ANOVA findings indicated that apparel consumers’ demographic factors (age, gender, income, education, and occupation) have a significant simultaneous impact on the OIBB of apparel consumers. It was found that the T-shirt was the most popular online apparel product category for the impulsively purchased item (32.43% out of 11 apparel product categories). The research findings provide recommendations for e-retailers to improve marketing strategies to enhance online buying among apparel consumers.

The performance of a garment during its usage is very important for consumers. Performance as such is a very wide term and may range from satisfying the requirements during its use to the durability. Comfort is also considered by many consumers today as one of the performance requirements. For stretchable denim fabric, the fit related comfort lies in the ability of the material to be stretched when a load is applied according to body movements and retain to its original length. While designing the stretch denim, fabric weight and weave plays important role for comfort, performance and fashion. In this study, the effect of fabric parameters such as areal density, Lycra content and weave on characteristics of stretchable denim fabrics were investigated. Various properties such as thickness, tensile strength, flexural rigidity, stretch and recovery properties and air permeability of the fabrics were evaluated. The test results revealed that increasing the fabric weight increased fabric warp tensile strength, compressibility, stretch and recovery, whereas the flexural rigidity, weft tensile strength and air permeability were decreased. As Lycra contents in fabric increased, fabric thickness was increased which resulted in higher flexural rigidity of fabric. Fabric construction and weave also influenced the fabric flexural rigidity and air permeability related to performance and comfort of stretchable denim fabric.

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