Effect of Addition of HDPE and LDPE on Rheological, Mechanical, Elastic and Compatibility Behavior of SBR/NBR Rubber Blend System

Abstract

The influence of adding low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) to different ratios of styrene butadiene copolymer (SBR) and acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer (NBR) rubber blend has been studied. The experimental methods performed are based on measurements of rheological, mechanical, elastic properties, phase morphology, density, ultrasonic studies, thermal stability and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results showed that rheological and mechanical properties of the blend are improved, especially at SBR/NBR blend (50/50), when incorporated with LDPE. Results indicated also a clear stability of the cure rate index (CRI) of the blend. Morphological structure analysis obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed a reduced domain size for blends containing LDPE. Ultrasonic and density investigations revealed the efficiency of adding LDPE in improving the compatibility behavior of this blend. Results also showed an improvement in elastic properties and thermal stability by adding LDPE. DSC scans of the blends filled with LDPE showed high shift in the glass transition temperature which can be attributed to the increased strength at the interface.