A new composition–processing–property relationship for studying the tensile modulus‐phase plastic blends

Abstract

Based on thermodynamic principles, a composition-processing-property relationship for predicting the modulus properties of multiphase plastic blends has been developed. This relationship describes the relative modulus of the blend in terms of the volume fraction and the index for the degree of mixing of an inclusionpolymer in the matrix-polymer. The relative modulus is defined as the ratio between the modulus of the blend and that of the matrix polymer. These blends include a nylon 6,6/polymethyl methacrylate(PMMA) system mixed using an injection molding process arid a nylon 6/ ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer system mixed using a corotational extrusion process. Based on the values determined for the mixing index of the nylon 6,6/PMMA blends, a relationship between the mixing index and the fill time used in the injection molding has been developed. The results also imply that the degree of mixing of the blend mixed using a correlation extrusion process is better than that of the blend processed using an injection molding process. Using the above results, we now can scientifically develop new plastic blends and design optimum processing conditions for various automotive applications.