Heat Shrinkable Polymer Blends Based on Grafted Polyethylene and Chlorosulphonated Polyethylene (Part I)

Abstract

Blend prepared by melt mixing of thermoplastic material-elastomer have gained considerable attention in recent years. Heat shrinkability of the polymer which depends on elastic memory can be introduced into the system in the form of an elastomeric phase. The present study deals with the measurement of heat shrinkability of the blend of grafted polyethylene with CSM. Interchain crosslinking between grafted polyethylene and elastomer improves the shrinkability. Crystallinity of the polymer blends also affected by interchain crosslinking, thus affecting the shrinkability. Probable interactions of the rubber and plastic phase are confirmed by IR spectroscopy. Extraction of the elastomeric phase is restricted due to interchain crosslinking as confirmed by SEM study.