The effects of processing on the mechanical properties of a polyolefin blend

Abstract

The procedure employed to prepare blends plays a significant role on the ultimate morphological and mechanical properties of the blend. This was demonstrated through the use of a styrene‐ethylene/butylene‐styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymer as a compatibilizer for isotactic polypropylene and linear lowdensity polyethylene. The considerable increases in impact strength for the blends containing the higher percentages of SEBS are related to the magnitude of plastic deformation observed in the matrix and to the size of the occlusions.

Influence of Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure Time on Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene (SEBS) Copolymer

“…A previous study into the photo-oxidative degradation of SEBS [15,16] showed changes in the phase partitioning of the polystyrene olefins, with the formation of acetone groups in the styrene units and carboxylic acids in the olefin end chains. Another aspect to take into account once the material is degraded or aged is its surface morphology, where surface energies and adhesion phenomena are involved.…”

Compatibilization of polyethylene/poly(propylene)/polystyrene blends

“…A linear low-density polyethylene/ poly(propylene) (LLDPE/PP) blend was successfully compatibilized with block poly(ethylene-propylene) copolymers 11) . An addition of styrene-ethylene/butene-styrene (SEBS) copolymers enhanced the impact strength of LLDPE/PP blends [12][13][14][15] . Also a maleated SEBS copolymer enhanced the toughness of a LLDPE/PP blend 14) .…”

Compatibilized linear low‐density polyethylene/isotactic polypropylene blends studied by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

“…Unless otherwise stated, all samples were prepared by passing neat PP through a single-screw extruder and by passing LLDPE plus compatibilizer through a separate single-screw extruder, with both extruders meeting at a cavity transfer mixer (CTM). Samples for tensile and Charpy impact tests were injection molded from the blends and tested according to ASTM standards as described in previous publications (3,4,23). DSC and SEM experimental practice is described elsewhere (3).…”