Thermoplastic rubber/PP elastomers toward extremely low thermal expansion

Abstract

Fine regulation of the microstructure of rubber/polypropylene (PP) alloys could remarkably reduce the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) while retaining the mechanical properties similar to those of thermoplastic elastomers. Rubber/PP elastomers with different morphologies were successfully prepared by controlling the appropriate rubber type, viscosity ratio, and processing method. The CLTE of the polymer alloy parallel to the microlayer directions was considerably reduced when the rubber domains were deformed into microlayers and co‐continuous with plastic domains. The thickness of the PP layers played a crucial role on CLTE reduction. The CLTE considerably decreased with reduced thickness of the PP layer. The sample with a co‐continuous microlayer structure exhibited good flexibility, high elongation, low hardness, and permanent deformation. Thus, low‐thermal‐expansion elastomer materials may have wide applications. Stress relaxation and strain recovery of the ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer/PP (70/30 wt %) blend were investigated to further clarify the influence of co‐continuous microlayer structure on mechanical properties. Anisotropic mechanical properties were consistent with the morphology. Results of the stress relaxation behavior test would provide further support to the mechanism of the low thermal expansion of blends with co‐continuous microlayer structure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43902.

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