Abstract
Compatibilized and uncompatibilized immiscible blends of polystyrene and low density polyethylene at various blending ratios were prepared by melt mixing using an internal batch mixer. Two kinds of similar structure tri-block copolymers as compatibilizers were employed: styrene-butadiene butylene-styrene (SBBS) with long blocks of polystyrene, and styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene (SEBS) with long blocks of poly(ethylene-butylene). The influence of the compatibilizers on morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of different blends were analyzed and compared by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffraction (XRD), impact and tensile tests. Also, linear dynamic rheological properties of different blends were analyzed and interfacial tensions between the blend components were calculated by using Palierne model. The Cole-Cole plots were established to bring more insights into the results of viscoelastic measurements. Significant difference appeared in thermal and mechanical properties between the compatibilized blends using SEBS and SBBS. It was found that type and length of blocks in the compatibilizers along with the ratio of the blends controlled the interfacial tension, droplet size and the mechanical properties of the given blends.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call