The Effect of Oleic Acid-Grafted Linear Low-Density Polyethylene as Compatibilizer on the Properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene/Cyclic Natural Rubber Blends

Abstract

In this paper, we report that the compatibility of polymer blends between linear lowdensity polyethylene (LLDPE) and cyclic natural rubber (CNR) can be increased by the addition of oleic acid-grafted linear low-density polyethylene. The research aims to investigate the effect of LLDPE-g-OA compatibilizer in LLDPE/CNR blends on improving the mechanical properties and characteristics of the blends. The LLDPE/CNR/LLDPE-g-OA blends (compatible blends) were prepared by blending methods in the molten phase using an internal mixer set at a temperature of 160 o C with a rotation speed of 100 rpm. The LLDPE pellets were inserted into it until melts and followed with an addition of CNR and LLDPE-g-OA. The tensile strength test results have shown an increase in mechanical properties after the addition of the compatibilizer with a maximum content of 4 wt%. The difference in FTIR spectra of compatible blends is indicated by the presence of C=C bonds from CNR, which appear at 1654.9 cm -1 , indicating the occurrence of physical bonds in the blends. The existence of the LLDPE-g-OA compatibilizer has increased the thermal stability of the polymer blends and changes in the melting point temperature of 124 0 C. Compatible blends showed that the surface morphology was smoother, and there were significant microstructural changes compared to incompatible blends.

PLA/LLDPE/Organo-Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Composites Containing LLDPE-g-OA Compatibilizers: Mechanical, Physical, Thermal, and Morphology

“…The solution was added with 80 mL of acetone to separate the unreacted OA and the OA homopolymer. The formed LLDPE-g-OA precipitate was filtered, washed with 150 mL of methanol (2 times repetitions), dried in an oven at 85 °C for 6 h, cooled, removed, and stored in a desiccator for 24 h. The LLDPE-g-OA sample was weighed and analyzed using FTIR [12,[19][20].…”

“…The O-PCC filler evenly distributed in the polymer composite can also act as a co-compatibilizer because the mechanical properties of tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus increase significantly [17][18]27]. The increased elongation at break value after reaching the yield point indicates that the polymer composite is a hard and tough material [12]. Likewise, Young's modulus value increases with increasing tensile strength and elongation at break, indicating a strong bond between PLA and LLDPE in the presence of LLDPE-g-AO compatibilizer and O-PCC filler.…”

“…LLDPE-g-AO is also believed to be effective in reducing the surface tension of the PLA/LLDPE blends, where the functional group of the OA monomer is compatible with the hydrophilic group of PLA from its carbonyl group. In contrast, the polymer part remains compatible with the LLDPE matrix of the C-H group, and it has also been applied to LLDPE/CNR blends [12]. Adding additives to polymer blends is required as fillers and cocompatibilizers, such as precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC).…”