Study of thermal, morphological, barrier and viscoelastic properties of PP grafted with maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) and PET blends

Abstract

Properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) can be enhanced by blending both in a specific proportion to get combined superior properties. To make a homogeneous blend, maleic anhydride functionalized PP (PP-g-MAH) was used as a compatibilizer in 60% PET blends. In all blends, PET’s percentage crystallinity was reduced as compared to pure PET because there were hindrances in chains packing because of the presence of PP chains. The addition of compatibilizer in PET and PP blend enhanced interactions resulted in a homogeneous blend with fewer voids. 2.5% of PP-g-MAH was observed to be the optimum value of compatibilizer in the blend of PET and PP. The decrease in free space inside the blend hindered water molecules' passage through the sheets. Owing to this, water vapor permeability of the blend was less compared to pure PET. The addition of the nonpolar PP also influenced the water transmittance rate of blended sheets.