Compatibilizer Content Research Articles

Effect of Dual Reactive Compatibilizers on the Formation of Co-Continuous Morphology of Low Density Polyethylene/Polyamide 6 Blends with Low Polyamide 6 Content

The coexistence of two kinds of reactive compatibilizers at the interface in immiscible LDPE/PA6 blends, namely, polyethylene graft maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) with a long backbone length and polybutadiene graft maleic anhydride (PB-g-MAH) with a short backbone length, promoted the formation of a flat interface and induced a co-continuous morphology in blends containing 30 wt % PA6. The relationships between the contents and content ratios of the dual reactive compatibilizers as well as the morphologies of the resulting LDPE/PA6 blends are examined quantitatively. The morphologies of the blends are characterized by SEM and TEM combined with a selective solvent extraction process. It is found that in these systems, when the total content of the dual compatibilizers is within 20–30 wt % and the content ratio of PE-g-MAH and PB-g-MAH is within 2:1–3:1, the minor PA6 phase can also form a co-continuous morphology in the LDPE matrix. The balance between the stability (determined by in situ formed PE-g-PA6 grafted copolymer with long backbone length) and flexibility of the flat interface (determined by in situ formed PB-g-PA6 grafted copolymer with short backbone length) in the compatibilized LDPE/PA6 blends is the key factor that controls the formation of the co-continuous morphology with low PA6 contents.

Compatibilization of cellulose acetate/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) blends by grafting copolymer

Blends of cellulose acetate (CA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) were prepared by the solvent-casting method in both the presence and the absence of a compatibilizer agent. The compatibilizer was synthesized by reactive processing between CA and PHB. From the differential scanning calorimetric analysis, it has been identified that CA/PHB blends are immiscible in the range of PHB content studied. The existence of interactions between the components was observed due to the displacement of glass transition temperature relative to PHB phase in the blend. The grafting copolymer promoted the increase of interactions between the phases specifically to compatibilized CA/40%wtPHB blend. This composition shows significant changes in crystalline percentage compared to the uncompatibilized blend. The existence of phase interactions modified the viscoelastic behavior of the compatibilized blends by introducing changes in the chain segment mobility due to the addition of compatibilizer as the dynamic mechanical analysis has pointed out. It was observed that different of the blends with lower PHB content, CA/40%wtPHB compatibilized blend with same compatibilizer content did not reach PHB saturation. This difference in behavior can be attributed to the fact that the content of compatibilizer agent used was the proper amount to promote both PHB domain size reduction and dispersion. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

The potential of deinking paper sludge for recycled HDPE reinforcement

This article studies the potential of deinking paper sludge (DPS) and recycled high density polyethylene (RHDPE) for biocomposites (DPS/RHDPE). Different DPS loadings (0 to 20 wt%) and compatibilizer content (0 to 4 wt%) were used in (DPS/RHDPE) formulations. A commercial paper wet‐strength agent polyamideamine‐epichlorohydrin resin (PAE) was used as DPS binder. The effects of DPS composition and PAE content on RHDPE/DPS biocomposites performance were studied. First, the chemical composition, morphology and thermal behavior of DPS were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, fiber quality analyser, and thermogravimetric analyses. The effect of the chemical treatment was evaluated using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Finally, crystallization behavior and tensile properties of DPS based biocomposites were discussed. Results revealed that DPS have a nucleating effect thanks to the presence of minerals such as calcium carbonate and talc. DPS increased the stiffness and the tensile strength of RHDPE. PAE could also serve as a compatibilizer between fibers and RHDPE. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:616–623, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Improvement in impact resistance of polylactic acid by masticated and compatibilized natural rubber

Mastication is the technique widely used to reduce viscosity of natural rubber and the higher mastication speed leads to lower NR viscosity. The optimum viscosity of NR that could provide high impact strength for the blends depends largely on the blending time and method. This study is focused on the enhancement of impact strength of polylactic acid (PLA) blended with masticated natural rubber (NR) using sorbitan ester (SE), a biodegradable food additive, as a compatibilizer. The effects of NR mastication, compatibilizer and NR contents and the mixture’s viscosity on the morphological, thermal and impact properties of PLA/NR blends were investigated in relation to the changes in the morphology, thermal properties and impact strength of PLA/NR blends. It was found that the optimum viscosity of NR that provided the highest impact strength to the blends was achieved when NR was masticated at 40 rpm for 15 min. The highest impact strength corresponded well not only with the small NR phase size, but also with the highest crystallization rate. For the effect of compatibilizer, it was found that a small amount of SE could more than double the impact strength of the blends, where the optimum compatibilizer content was 0.5 wt%. Interestingly, the high impact strength of the blends in all cases was accompanied by short interparticle distance and slightly higher percent crystallinity.

THERMAL properties and morphology of Polypropylene/Polycarbonate/Polypropylene-Graft-Maleic anhydride blends

This work investigates the effect of blending polycarbonate (PC) into polypropylene (PP) matrix polymer on thermal properties and morphology. The blends, containing 5% to 35% of polycarbonate and 5% compatibilizer, were compounded using twin-screw extruder and fabricated into standard tests samples using injection or compression molding. The compatibilizer used was polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed improved thermal degradation temperature of PP/PC/PP-g-MA blends compared to pure PP. As PC content increased, the thermal degradation temperature also improved. The highest improvement of thermal degradation temperature was 23.3%, demonstrated by 60/35/5 composition. It was found that the thermal stability of PP/PC blends was improved with the addition of PP-g-MA. PP-g-MA was suspected to enhance the phase adhesion between PP and PC, thus improving thermal stability. Microscopy analysis showed PC reinforcement phase existed as particulates dispersed in PP matrix phase. PC also was in irregular shapes of fibers or flakes in certain compositions, depending on PC fraction and compatibilizer content.

Thermal degradation and crystallization characteristics of multiphase polymer systems with and without compatibilizer

Effects of blend composition and compatibilizer concentration on the thermal degradation and crystallization characteristics of polyolefin blends are reported. Phase morphology and therefore, blend composition played a crucial role in the thermal degradation behaviour of the blends. Although compatibilization significantly improved the thermal stability of the blends, melting and crystallization parameters of the polymers were only marginally affected. Compatibilized blends with co-continuous morphology exhibited a type of “co-degradation” and “co-crystallization”.

Correction to Synthesis and Remarkable Efficacy of Model Polyethylene-graft-poly(methyl methacrylate) Copolymers as Compatibilizers in Polyethylene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends

Polyethylene-graft-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PE-g-PMMA) copolymers were prepared using a combination of ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), hydrogenation, and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Approximately 20 PMMA side chains per molecule with average degrees of polymerization 6, 12, and 24 were grown via a “grafting from” approach from a Br-substituted linear PE backbone with Mw = 56 000. The resulting graft copolymers were evaluated as compatibilizing agents for binary PE/PMMA homopolymer blends. The roles of PMMA side chain length and different compatibilizer concentration in the polymer blends were investigated, and the mechanical and morphological properties of blends containing 70% PE and 30% PMMA by weight were examined. The presence of the compatibilizer reduced the average PMMA droplet size substantially, even at compatibilizer loadings as low as 1%. Furthermore, the compatibilized blends exhibited significant improvements in elastic modulus, yield strength, and scratch re...

Development and Experimental Validation of Morphology Predictive Model for Compatibilized Ternary Polymer Blends I. Effect of Interfacial Tension

To evaluate the prediction reliability of conventional morphology predicting models, polypropylene (PP)/polyamide6 (PA6)/ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) (70/15/15) ternary polymer blends compatibilized with Maleic-anhydride grafted EPDM (EPDM-g-MA) were prepared through melt blending using a twin screw extruder (TSE). Different EPDM/EPDM-g-MA ratios i.e. 100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75 and 0/100 were used to prepare the ternery blend PP/(EPDM-g-MA + EPDM)/PA6 samples. The effects of compatibilizer content on the microstructures and consequently mechanical properties of prepared ternary blends were studied. Direct microstructural observations were compared to the predictions of conventional phenomenological models including spreading coefficient, minimum relative free energy, and dynamic interfacial energy. A comparison depicted the relative inaccuracy of the existing models in predicting the morphology of the present ternary system due to the ignorance of some effective parameters and/or discomfit of model assumptions. A novel predictive model was developed considering parameters ignored in conventional models. A thorough investigation of the model’s validation results showed a reasonable agreement between model predictions and direct microstructural observations.

BisGMA/EPDM/amine functionalised MWCNTs based nanocomposites

Purpose– This paper aims to focus on the development and study properties of bisphenol-A glycidyldimethacrylate (BisGMA) and ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) blend-based nanocomposites containing amine-functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-NH2) as a compatibiliser.Design/methodology/approach– First, BisGMA was synthesised from epoxy and methacrylic acid followed by the amine functionalisation of MWCNTs. A novel two-roll milling technique was then conducted to prepare nanocomposite specimens with MWCNT-NH2 as compatibiliser. Effect of MWCNT-NH2 content on the mechanical, thermal, electrical, corrosive and water absorption properties of the nanocomposites was investigated and results have been reported.Findings– The results of the present work reveal that MWCNT-NH2 acts as a potential compatibiliser and nanofiller in BisGMA/EPDM blend-based nanocomposites. The authors report here that the nanocomposites exhibit improved mechanical, thermal and electrical properties with increased addition of MWCNT-NH2. Moreover, desirable results are obtained at 5 phr of nanofiller loading beyond which the properties deteriorate due to particle agglomeration. The nanocomposites display negligible corrosion and water absorption characteristics. Thus, the above fabricated nanocomposites with optimum compatibiliser content can serve as low-cost structural, thermal and electrical materials which can also be utilised in corrosive and moist environments.Research limitations/implications– The present investigation has come up with the successful and cost-effective fabrication of BisGMA/EPDM blend-based nanocomposites with optimum nanofiller/compatibiliser (MWCNT-NH2) content that can be used for a wide range of structural, thermal and electrical projects, as it is corrosion and moisture resistant. It is also the most durable from the mechanical point of view.Originality/value– The above nanocomposites have never been designed before.

Polystyrene-block-poly(tert-butyl methacrylate)/multiwall carbon nanotube ternary conducting polymer nanocomposites based on compatibilizers: Preparation, characterization and vapor sensing applications

Abstract Environmental pollutants, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs), often cause some serious health issues, and hence it is imperative to monitor and prevent the leakage and diffusion of these vapors. Nanomaterial based sensors are powerful tools in environmental monitoring. Since carbon nanotubes tend to spontaneously aggregate and entangle together, resulting in heterogeneous dispersion and poor properties, it is necessary to find some methods to overcome this shortcoming and to fully exploit their applications. In this paper, a novel multiwall carbon nanotube graft polystyrene-block-poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) (MWNTs-g-PtBMA-b-PS) as a compatibilizer was designed and synthesized to construct polystyrene-block-poly(tert-butyl methacrylate)/MWNT (PS-b-PtBMA/MWNT) ternary conducting polymer nanocomposites and to fabricate into thin films to monitor chloroform vapor. The UV–vis, SEM and TEM investigations showed that the dispersion behavior of MWNTs was improved via incorporation of compatibilizer with various loading amounts. The nanocomposite thin films exhibited selective response to chloroform vapor, and the response patterns were influenced by the contents of compatibilizer and MWNTs and the analyte concentrations. The film sensors with compatibilizer exhibited excellent response, reproducibility and stability compared with those devoid of compatibilizer, and consequently they can be employed as a prospective candidate of chemical resistors or electronic noses for detection of chloroform vapor.

Processing and characterization of thermoplastic starch/polycaprolactone/compatibilizer ternary blends for packaging applications

Thermoplastic starch (TPS)/polycaprolactone (PCL) blends were obtained by melt mixing. First, the best formulation of thermoplastic starch (starch, plasticizer and additives) was studied. The obtained films were characterized by means of differential scanning calorimetry, DSC (melting temperature and crystallinity degree); thermogravimetric analysis, TGA (real composition of the blend and thermal stability); tensile tests (mechanical properties); infrared spectroscopy, FTIR (interactions between components); scanning electron microscopy, SEM (morphology); and water absorption tests. The effect of PCL/TPS ratio on the previously mentioned characteristics and properties were studied. In addition, the effect of using PCL modified with maleic anhydride as compatibilizer was also analyzed. An optimal compatibilizer content was found improving the mechanical properties and slowing down the degradation rate in soil of the blends. On the other hand, a slight increase in the water absorption of the blends was found in comparison with the non-compatibilized ones.

High thermal conductive composites based on flake graphite filled in a partial compatible polyamide 6/polypropylene

In this study, a series of thermally conductive materials was obtained based on flake graphite (FG) filled in a partially compatible system of polyamide 6 (PA6)/polypropylene (PP) blends at a loading of 30 wt % of FG. The thermal conductivity of PA6/PP/FG composites containing 1 wt % of the compatibilizer PP-graft-maleic anhydride (MAH) reached 2.703 W/(m K). The SEM images show that FG formed a long thermally conductive pathway in the partially compatible system. The result of Fourier transform infrared analysis indicates that the compatibilizer changes the compatibility between PA6 and PP and affects the distribution of FG. The crystallization behavior of the composites studied by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry further proved that the filler in the composites distributed rationally. The impact strength and dynamic mechanical analysis confirmed that when the compatibilizer content was 1 wt %, the system was in a partially compatible state. The dynamic rheology of the composites was also studied to understand the effect of the distribution of FG on the conductivity of the composites.

Effect of compatibilizer and organoclay content on structure, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate)/(Ethylene acrylic acid)/Organoclay nanocomposites

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/(ethylene acrylic acid) (EAA)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by using the melt intercalation technique. EAA was used as compatibilizer and organoclay was used as inorganic filler. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results indicated the addition of compatibilizer led to a large increase in basal spacing of nanocomposites and better overall dispersion of organoclay in the PBS matrix. However, the basal spacing was found to be invariant as the organoclay content increased. The differential scanning calorimetry analyses revealed that the incorporation of the organoclay and EAA and the variation of organoclay content altered the melting behavior and crystallization properties of PBS. Storage and loss modulus of virgin matrix increased with the incorporation of organoclay and EAA, and a maximum for the nanocomposite with 9 wt% organoclay. Moreover, the glass transition temperatures also increased for the various organoclay-containing samples. Mechanical properties showed an increase with the incorporation of organoclay and EAA. The 5 wt% organoclay-filled PBS gave the highest tensile strength and notched Izod impact strength among all the composites. Further increments in organoclay loading reduced the tensile strength and notched impact strength of nanocomposites, which was thought to be the result of agglomeration. However, increments in clay loading enhanced the flexural strength and flexural modulus of nanocomposites, with a maximum at 9 wt% organoclay. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Effect of domestic compatabilizer on the performance of polypropylene-sawdust composites

Greater concern for environmental safety and fuel economy has increased interest in the use of renewable resources for development of new materials. Wood–plastic composites, made of recycled plastic and wood wastes, are very attractive in this respect, making this one of the most dynamic areas of new developments in the plastics industry in the past decade. This paper presents the preparation and characterization of polypropylene-sawdust composites by compression molding using maleated polypropylene (MAPP) produced in Brazil by reactive extrusion, with different amounts of two types of peroxides. The MAPP was characterized for thermal properties, melt flow index, and chemical structure, while the composites containing both uncoated and MAPP-coated sawdust were characterized for mechanical properties to understand the effect of coating as well as to compare these properties with those of composites prepared with commercial MAPP. The MAPP was efficient as a compatabilizer for polypropylene/sawdust composites. Better impact and tensile properties were observed in composites prepared with medium and high melt flow index compatibilizer concentrations, respectively.

Physical and mechanical properties of linear low‐density polyethylene/cycloolefin copolymer/layered silicate nanocomposite

Nanocomposites based on cyclic olefin copolymer/linear low density polyethylene blends (COC/LLDPE) with various contents of three different modified organoclays (20A, 10A, and I28E) compatibilized with polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (PEgMA) were prepared by met mixing. The influence of content and type of organoclay and compatibilizer on nanocomposite morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties as well as on oxygen and water vapour barrier properties was determined. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate the clay dispersion, which showed a strong dependence on compatibilizer and type of organoclay. An exfoliated–intercalated morphology was obtained for compatibilized samples of C20A and I28E organoclays at 5 wt%. A less intercalated structure was obtained for samples with C10A. The exfoliated–intercalated structure was influenced both by the compatibilizer and the increase on the nanocomposite viscosity due to the COC incorporation as was determined by Rheological measurements. Mechanical analysis gave an evidence of increasing stiffness after nanoclay was added into COC/LLDPE blend matrix observing higher Young modulus for the compatibilized samples. A notorious decrease of Oxygen and Water vapour permeation rate was observed for COC/LLDPE blend films nanocomposites only when using C20A and I28E clays. These results can be useful in the design of sustainable flexible films for the packaging requirements of specific types of food. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:3167–3174, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Interface modification of compatibilized polyethylene terephthalate/polypropylene blends: Effect of compatibilization on thermomechanical properties and thermal stability

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP) are incompatible thermoplastics because of differences in chemical structure and polarity, hence their blends possess inferior mechanical and thermal properties. Compatibilization with a suitable block/graft copolymer is one way to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the PET/PP blend. In this study, the toughness, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of PET/PP blends were investigated as a function of different content of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene-g-maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MAH) compatibilizer. PET, PP, and SEBS-g-MAH were melt-blended in a single step using the counter rotating twin screw extruder with compatibilizer concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 phr, respectively. The impact strength of compatibilized blend with 10 phr SEBS-g-MAH increased by 300% compared to the uncompatibilized blend. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs show that the addition of 10 phr SEBS-g-MAH compatibilizer into the PET/PP blends decreased the particle size of the dispersed PP phase to the minimum level. The improvement of the storage modulus and the decrease in the glass transition temperature of the PET phase indicated an interaction among the blend components. Thermal stability of the PET/PP blends was significantly improved because of the addition of SEBS-g-MAH. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 23:45–54, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Properties of recycled high-density polyethylene/water hyacinth fiber composites: the effect of different concentration of compatibilizer

The effect of different concentrations of polyethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) in recycled high-density polyethylene/water hyacinth fiber (rHDPE/WHF) composites was studied. RHDPE/WHF composites with different concentrations of PE-g-MAH were prepared using Z-blade mixer at 180 °C with the rotor speed of 50 rpm. The results indicated 6 wt% of PE-g-MAH showed the highest tensile strength and Young’s modulus but lowest water absorption compared to other concentration of PE-g-MAH. The SEM morphology of 6 wt% of PE-g-MAH displayed better fiber dispersion and less fiber pull out than other concentration of PE-g-MAH. Moreover, FTIR analysis also showed the presence of ester carbonyl group and reduction of OH group in rHDPE/WHFPE-g-MAH composites than uncompatibilized composites.

Effect of compatibilizer on the morphology development, static and dynamic mechanical properties of polymer-polymer composites from LDPE and PET

The morphology development and mechanical properties of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/ poly ethylene terephthalate (PET) blends and microfibrillar composites (MFC) at varying concentrations of a compatibilizer polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) were analyzed in this study. The microstructure of the microfibrillar blends (MFBs) and composites during the various stages of their preparation was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The aspect ratio of the PET microfibrils was found to increase with compatibilizer loading up to an optimum level. The presence of 4 wt% PE-g-MA affected the dimensions of the PET fibrils differently in 75/25 and 85/15 w/w% microfibrillar blends. The variation in the length of the microfibrils was found to influence the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the microfibrillar composites. The studies pointed towards the necessity of optimizing the compatibilizer concentration to achieve enhanced properties for the MFCs.

Effect of maleic anhydride on the mechanical and thermal properties of hemp/high-density polyethylene green composites

In the present work, the effective use of polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) copolymer as a compatibilizer in high-density polyethylene composites containing 10–50 mass% hemp fibers was evaluated through mechanical and thermal properties measurements. The results revealed a significant reinforcement on the tensile strength of the composites as a consequence of the incorporation of the compatibilizer. Less pronounced effects were found on the elongation at break and impact strength of the composites. The notable enhancement of tensile strength on the compatibilized composites was related to the improved adhesion of hemp with the matrix in the presence of PE-g-MA, which was revealed through scanning electron microscopy observations. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses suggested that covalent bonding occurs between the fibers and the matrix in the highest PE-g-MA concentrations. Differential scanning calorimetry experiments revealed that the presence of compatibilizer increases the crystallinity of the composites. Thermogravimetry studies revealed that for low compatibilizer concentrations the thermal stability of the composites is further reduced, while for the highest concentration, when bonding occurs, it is enhanced. The biodegradation studies of all the composites revealed that the incorporation of compatibilizer enhances the stability of the composites, especially in the higher concentrations, and reduces their final residue.

Effects of poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) on the performance of LGF/TPU/ABS composites

Abstract A series of long glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) elastomers and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer (LGF/TPU/ABS) composites were prepared using self-designed impregnation device. Poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) was employed to increase the compatibility between glass fiber and matrix resin and thus obtain the excellent properties of composites. The dynamic mechanical properties of the composites have been investigated using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The results indicated that the storage modulus of the composites gradually increases and then decreases with increasing compatibilizer content. In addition, the low temperature peak of the composites shifts to higher temperature with increasing compatibilizer content. The thermal properties of the composites were studied by thermogravimetric analyzer. In addition, the morphology and mechanical properties of the composites are investigated by scanning electron microscopy, a universal testing machine, and a ZBC-4 Impact Pendulum.