Effect of a hybrid compatibilizer on the mechanical properties and interfacial tension of a ternary blend with polypropylene, poly(lactic acid), and a toughening modifier

Abstract

This study examined the effect of three compatibilizers, namely, a hybrid compatibilizer composed of polypropylene‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MAH) and polyethylene‐glycidyl methacrylate (PE‐g‐GMA), a single compatibilizer composed of PP‐g‐MAH, and a single compatibilizer composed of PE‐g‐GMA, on the mechanical, morphological, and rheological properties of a ternary blend of polypropylene (PP), poly(lactic acid; PLA), and a toughening modifier. The results of tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength tests for the ternary blends before and after hydrolysis, revealed that the ternary blend with a hybrid compatibilizer content of 3 phr exhibited better material properties than the blend containing a single compatibilizer. In the weighted relaxation spectra of the ternary blend using the Palierne emulsion model, the ternary blend containing the hybrid compatibilizer, exhibited only one relaxation spectrum peak at ∼ 0.16 s. This result suggests that the ternary blend with the hybrid compatibilizer exhibits uncharacteristic morphological properties, that is, a single‐phase microstructure. The above results suggest that the hybrid mixture is an effective compatibilizer for the ternary blend of PP, PLA, and a toughening modifier. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers

Weathering properties and hydrolysis of poly(butylene terephthalate)/poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐styrene‐co‐acrylate) blend with reactive compatibilizer

“…At hydrolysis time of 960 h, when the EGMA‐ g ‐SAN contents are 0, 1, 3, and 5 phr, the tensile strength of the blend appeared to be 28.3, 32.0, 33.8, and 33.6 MPa, respectively. At 3 phr EGMA‐ g ‐SAN, the increased impact and tensile strengths of the blend may be because of the decreased hydrolytic degradation of the PBT/PolyASA blend, which is caused by the increased compatibility . The above results show that the impact and tensile strengths of the blend after hydrolysis are consistent with the results of the morphology, rheology, and weathering properties of the PBT/PolyASA (70/30) blend before hydrolysis.…”

ZnO nanoparticles as chain elasticity reducer and structural elasticity enhancer: Correlating the degradating role and localization of ZnO with the morphological and mechanical properties of PLA/PP/ZnO nanocomposite

“…Because of its biocompatibility and inherent biodegradability, polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most important prominent biodegradable biopolymers that has found extensive applications in the various medical, packaging, and textile industries . The main drawback of this polymer returns to its brittleness, which diminishes its widespread application . Therefore, the blending of this biodegradable polymer with synthetic polymers such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) can be an encouraging step for the enhancement of PLA toughness and improving the biodegradability of plastic products .…”

“…7,8 The main drawback of this polymer returns to its brittleness, which diminishes its widespread application. [9][10][11] Therefore, the blending of this biodegradable polymer with synthetic polymers such as polypropylene (PP), 9,10,12,13 polyethylene (PE), [14][15][16] and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) 17 can be an encouraging step for the enhancement of PLA toughness and improving the biodegradability of plastic products. [18][19][20][21] PP, as one of the most important commercial plastics, is widely used in a variety of applications including packaging, labeling, textile fibers, automobile, and component of different kinds of plastic products because of its cost-effectiveness, good mechanical performance in toughness and flexibility, and high chemical resistance to many solvents, acids, and bases.…”

Physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of micronized organo-montmorillonite suspension modified wood flour/poly(lactic acid) composites

“…However, PLA is not so widely used due to some drawbacks like relative lower thermal stability and break‐at‐elongation as well as higher price than traditional petrochemical polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), poly(vinyl chloride), and polystyrene . Many approaches, such as blending PLA with some natural materials , synthetic monomers , polymers , and inorganic fillers , have been proposed to improve its properties and simultaneously reduce the cost.…”