In-situ Enhanced Toughening of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/elastomer Blends via Gamma-Ray Radiation at Presence of Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate

Abstract

Gamma-ray radiation has always been a convenient and effective way to modify the interfacial properties in polymer blends. In this work, a small amount of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) was incorporated into poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/random terpolymer elastomer (ST2000) blends by melt-blending. The existence of TMPTA would induce the crosslinking of PET and ST2000 molecular chains at high temperatures of blending, resulting in the improvement in the impact strength but the loss in the tensile strength. When the PET/ST2000 blends were irradiated by gamma-ray radiation, the integrated mechanical properties could be enhanced significantly at a high absorbed dose. The irradiated sample at a dose of 100 kGy even couldn't be broken under the impact test load, and at the same time, has nearly no loss of tensile strength. Based on the analysis of the impact-fractured surface morphologies of the blends, it can be concluded that gamma-ray radiation at high absorbed dose can further in situ enhance the interfacial adhesion by promoting the crosslinking reactions of TMPTA and polymer chains. As a result, the toughness and strength of PET/ST2000 blend could be dramatically improved. This work provides a facial and practical way to the fabrication of polymer blends with high toughness and strength.