Abstract
Abstract A thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) is a rubbery material with final properties and functional performance similar to those of a conventional vulcanized rubber at ambient temperature, yet it can be processed as a thermoplastic at elevated temperature. The main objective of the present investigation was to prepare novel olefinic thermoplastic elastomers based on blends of a thermoplastic i.e. low density polyethylene (PE) and new ethylene-butene copolymers (PEB), which would have higher strength and lower hardness compared to the existing TPEs. The 70:30 PEB: PE blend exhibited the best properties. Ethylene vinyl acetate was found to work as compatibilizer at lower loadings in these blends. The resultant blends were of low hardness (60–80 Shore A) and high strength (26–33 MPa). The interaction parameter and the morphology of the blends were the key parameters, which governed the final properties of blends.
Published Version
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