Effect Of Compatibilizer Research Articles

Effects of compound compatibilizer and CaTiO3 filler on the properties of polypropylene/polyphenylene ether/glass fiber composites

AbstractThe present study used polyphenylene ether/Polypropylene/glass fiber (PPO/PP/GF) composites as the matrix material to obtain the dielectric plate material to be used in the dielectric phase shifters for 5G base stations. First, the reinforcement effect of the compound compatibilizers comprising PP‐g‐MAH and SEBS‐g‐MAH on the PPO/PP/GF composites was investigated. The experimental results revealed that the compound compatibilizers could dramatically improve the compatibility and performance of the PP/PPO/GF composites through synergistic compatibility. Next, the crystallization effect of CaTiO3 fillers on the PPO/PP/GF composites was investigated. The DSC analysis revealed that using a small amount of CaTiO3 promoted the crystallization of PP, while using a large amount of CaTiO3 inhibited the crystallization effect. At a compatibilizer content of 6 wt% and CaTiO3 in the range of 10–85 wt%, the CaTiO3/PP/PPO/GF composite presented a continuously adjustable dielectric constant (εr = 2.32–20.9), low dielectric loss (tanδ < 0.0019), and high heat resistance (VST = 169.5–177°C), and could, therefore, be used as a dielectric plate material in the dielectric phase shifters for 5G base stations.Highlights The compound compatibilizers comprising PP‐g‐MAH and SEBS‐g‐MAH could dramatically improve the compatibility and performance of the PP/PPO/GF composites through synergistic compatibility. A small amount of CaTiO3 promoted the crystallization of PP and a large amount of CaTiO3 inhibited the crystallization effect. The CaTiO3/PP/PPO/GF composites could serve as ideal dielectric plate materials in the development of dielectric phase shifters for 5G base stations.

Effect of wood flour and compatibilizer content on the properties of wood-plastic composites

Wood-plastic composites (WPC) with are prepared by melting and mixing wood flour (WF) and thermoplastics which has green and biodegradable advantages and is of great significance in the development of the era of global resource scarcity. In this work, recycled polypropylene and WF were used as raw materials and commercially available maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH-g-PP) was used as a compatibilizer. The extrusion injection molding method was used and investigated by varying the amount of WF and compatibilizer added. The composites were analyzed for micro-morphology, melt mass flow rate, mechanical properties, and thermal stability by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), melt flow rate tester (MFR), electronic universal testing machine, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). According to the results, WF shows a positive effect in terms of storage and loss modulus of the composites, but it shows a negative effect in terms of thermal stability and mechanical properties. As an effective compatibilizer, MAH-g-PP plays an important role in improving the mechanical properties of the composites, especially at an additional level of 4 wt%, which maximized the overall performance of the composites.

Utilizing poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) as a reinforcing additive to produce high‐performance and biodegradable PBAT blends tailored for foaming applications

AbstractPoly(butylene‐adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) is recognized for its advantages as a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester. However, its application is often limited due to low strength and poor processability. In contrast, poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) emerges as a fully biodegradable polyester characterized by high strength, excellent toughness, and facile processing. In this study, P4HB was employed to reinforce PBAT, and glycidyl methacrylate grafted onto poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB‐g‐GMA) was introduced as an effective compatibilizer to address their inherent incompatibility. The study explored the influence of P4HB‐g‐GMA content on the mechanical, thermal, morphological, and rheological properties of the blends. The findings revealed that P4HB‐g‐GMA significantly enhanced the compatibility, mechanical properties, and melt strength of PBAT/P4HB blends. Furthermore, various PBAT/P4HB foams were prepared through a batch foaming process, employing supercritical CO2 as a physical foaming agent. The volume expansion ratio and cell size of PBAT/P4HB foams increased with higher levels of the compatibilizer.

Biopolymeric Blends of Thermoplastic Starch and Polylactide as Sustainable Packaging Materials.

The improper disposal of plastics is a growing concern due to increasing global environmental problems such as the rise of CO2 emissions, diminishing petroleum sources, and pollution, which necessitates the research and development of biodegradable materials as an alternative to conventional packaging materials. The purpose of this research was to analyse the properties of biodegradable polymer blends of thermoplastic potato starch (TPS) and polylactide, (PLA) without and with the addition of citric acid (CA) as a potential compatibilizer and plasticizer. The prepared blends were subjected to a comprehensive physicochemical characterization, which included: FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), determination of thermal and mechanical properties by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), water vapour permeability (WVP), as well as biodegradation testing in soil. The obtained results indicate an improvement in adhesion between the TPS and PLA phases due to the addition of citric acid, better homogeneity of the structure, and greater compatibility of the polymer blends, leading to better thermal, mechanical and barrier properties of the studied biodegradable TPS/PLA polymer blends. After conducting the comprehensive research outlined in this paper, it has been determined that the addition of 5 wt.% of citric acid serves as an effective compatibilizer and plasticizer. This supplementation achieves an optimal equilibrium across thermal, mechanical, morphological, and barrier properties, while also promoting material sustainability through biodegradation. In conclusion, it can be stated that the use of thermoplastic starch in TPS/PLA blends accelerates the biodegradation of PLA as a slowly biodegradable polymer. While the addition of citric acid offers significant advantages for TPS/PLA blends, further research is needed to optimize the formulation and processing parameters to achieve the desired balance between mechanical strength, thermal and barrier properties and biodegradability.

Study on interfacial compatibilizing effect of PB grafts on PB/GNP thermally conductive composites

AbstractUsing polymer‐grafts to improve the interfacial compatibilization of composites is by far the most common and effective strategy. However, although polybutene‐1 (PB) resin enjoys the reputation of “gold plastic” in the field of industry, there are few studies on its grafting and functional modification. In this work, PB‐grafts were prepared by melt grafting method with maleic anhydride (MAH) and styrene (St) as the functional monomers. The effect of two PB‐grafts (PB‐g‐MAH and PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St) on the interfacial compatibilization of PB/GNP (Graphene nanosheet) thermally conductive composites was compared and the corresponding compatibilizing mechanism is discussed. Results indicate that PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St has better compatibizing effect than that of PB‐g‐MAH because the cooperation of St with MAH enhanced the grafting degree of functional monomers on PB, and increased the surface energy of PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St, which reduced the interface energy between PB and GNP and improved its interfacial adhesion. A better compatibilization effect has achieved when the compatibilizer and filler at the mass ratio of 1:4. Under this ratio, when the content of GNP is 30 wt%, the thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of PB/GNP/ PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St composite achieved 1.82 W·m−1·K−1 and 8.44 × 10−8 S·cm−1, which are 857.89% and 9 orders of magnitude higher than that of neat PB, respectively. Moreover, the composite has good mechanical properties and processability, which is beneficial to industrialization.Highlights PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St has higher grafting ratio than that of PB‐g‐MAH. The surface energy of PB/GNP composites is reduced by use of PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St. There is a suitable mass ratio between compatibilizer and filler. The composite of PB/GNP/PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St achieved high thermal conductivity. The PB/GNP/PB‐g‐MAH‐co‐St composites have good melting processability.

Fluorination Modification of Methyl Vinyl Silicone Rubber and Its Compatibilization Effect on Fluorine/Silicone Rubber Composites.

Among numerous rubbers, high-performance rubber composites can be obtained by mixing fluororubber (FKM) with excellent oil resistance and silicone rubber (SiR) with excellent low-temperature resistance. While the difference in polarity between these two kinds of rubbers leads to a reduction in the properties of the composites. To solve the compatibility problem between the two-phase interfaces in FKM/SiR composites, in this research, fluorinated silicone rubbers (MVQ-g-PFDT) of methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVQ) grafted with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiol (PFDT) were prepared via a facile and efficient thiol-ene click reaction, which was then added into FKM/SiR composites. The results showed that the fluorine-containing side chains could effectively inhibit the low-temperature crystallization phenomenon of silicone rubber and further broaden its application ranges in low-temperature environments. The properties of FKM/SiR composites with the addition of MVQ-g-PFDT were significantly improved, with the highest tensile strength of 14.1 MPa and the lowest mass change rate of 6.71% after 48h immersion at 200 °C in IRM903 oil. Additionally, the hydroxyl groups between the fluorine-containing side chains of MVQ-g-PFDT and the surface of silica facilitate the enhancement of the uniform dispersion of fillers. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterization results showed a distinct enhancement of the compatibility between the two phases of FKM and SiR. This work would provide further insight into efforts to improve compatibility between rubbers with widely different polarities.

Compatibilization of Immiscible Polypropylene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends by Silica Particles with Janus and Random Component-Selective Grafts.

Introducing component-selective polymer chains onto the surface of a particle is an effective approach to improve the compatibilization efficiency of a particle-based compatibilizer. In this study, two particles with different kinds of component-selective polymer chains that have the same length and similar density but different graft locations were synthesized and their compatibilization effects were comparatively investigated. It was found that compared with the particle with homogeneous PMMA and PP grafts (R-P), the particle with a hemisphere of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) grafts and other hemisphere of polypropylene (PP) chains (J-P) showed a better compatibilization effect under equal loadings, although both particles exhibited high efficiency. The better compatibilization effect of particles with Janus grafts may be attributed to the stronger entanglements between grafted polymer chains and selective individual components. This work suggests that optimizing the graft location of a particle is an effective strategy for improving its compatibilization efficiency and helpful for the design of advanced particle compatibilizers.

The effect of physical compatibilization and dynamic vulcanization on the properties of thermoplastic vulcanizates derived from polypropylene and natural rubber blends

This interesting study investigated the effect of Maleic Anhydride-grafted-Polypropylene/Epoxidized Natural Rubber (PP-g-MA/ENR) as a compatibilizing agent (CA) on the properties of a 30/70 Polypropylene/Natural Rubber PP/NR blends. The effect of dynamic vulcanization with sulfur-donors (i.e.: Tetramethyl thiuram disulfide (TMTD) and 4,4 Dithiodimorpholine (DTDM)) which were used as vulcanizing agents was also reported. Several formulations of TPVs with different concentrations of CA (from 5 to 15 phr) were prepared by mixing in the molten state using a Haake Rheocord 90. The structural analysis of dual compatibilizer was examined by FTIR spectroscopy. The rheological behavior was examined using Haake Rheocord 90. The mechanical properties were determined by the tensile measurements. The dynamic mechanical thermal properties were investigated by DMA. A morphological examination was conducted using SEM Microscopy, respectively. FTIR analysis confirmed reactions between the MA group in PP-g-MA and the epoxy groups in ENR, resulting in ENR-grafted PP with an ester and acid-based linkage. The Haake plastograms revealed a proportional increase in the final mixing torque value with the increasing content of CA. The mechanical results exhibited higher values in terms of tensile strength and Young’s modulus for the TPVs containing CA compared to un-compatibilized ones. The compatibilized TPV blends exhibited a noteworthy increase in storage modulus and a notable decrease in loss tangent values with the CA concentration increased. Furthermore, the TPVs show two distinct-phase morphologies. That is, the TPV with CA showed the presence of smaller vulcanized rubber particles dispersed within the PP matrix, a phenomenon that becomes more pronounced with higher CA contents.

Synergistic effects of organosilicon flame retardant and DOPO-based reactive compatibilizer for high performance PC/PBT composites

PC/PBT alloy is flammable resulting in fire safety hazards in practical applications and the existing flame retardants have a great influence on the mechanical properties, which limits its application range. Therefore, it is an urgent problem to improve the flame retardancy of PC/PBT alloy while taking its mechanical properties into account. Herein, a novel flame retardant and reactive compatibilizer was synthesized by grafting 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphophenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) onto ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (EMA-GMA), named as DOPO-EG, to improve the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of PC/PBT alloy simultaneously. Additionally, based on the effective synergistic effect of enhancing the charring and flame retardancy between silicon and phosphorus, the organosilicon flame retardant (RMSi) is introduced and compounded with DOPO-EG to prepare excellent flame retardancy PC/PBT/DOPO-EG/RMSi composites. The results showed that the PC/PBT/DOPO-EG/RMSi composites with 10 wt% DOPO-EG and 8 wt% RMSi (CBE10P10Si8) reached UL-94 V-0 rating and the peak of heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release rate (THR) of CBE10P10Si8 decreased by 42% and 16% respectively. This is due to the fact that DOPO is cracked into phosphorus radicals to capture and eliminate the active H and OH radicals, inhibiting the chain free radical reaction, and RMSi is enriched on the surface of CBE10P10Si8 to form an inorganic oxygen insulation protective layer during combustion. The impact strength of CBE10P10Si8 increased from 5.8 kJ/m2 to 11.9 kJ/m2. The improvement of impact strength is owing to the existence of DOPO-EG which promotes the formation of the interface layer between PC and PBT phases, resulting in the transfer of stress between the two phases. This work provides a new method for the preparation of PC/PBT alloy with excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties, and also provides a certain reference value for the research of flame retardancy and toughening modification of polymer composites.

Investigating the effect of compatibilizers on environmental stress cracking resistance in polypropylene/low density polyethylene blends

The present study focuses on the effect of octylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy)ethanol (IGEPAL CA 630) on the environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR) of blends of polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) at different weight fractions without and with the addition of two compatibilizers, corresponding to styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) copolymer and styrene-ethylene-butylene maleate (SEBS-g-MA). Compression molding was used after mixing the melt in a Brabender internal mixer to create the blends. ESCR of the blends was determined by exposing the blends to a solution of IGEPAL CA 630 the presence of stress. Mechanical (tensile) and thermal properties are extracted to evaluate the effect of adding the compatibilizers SEBS and SEBS-g-MA to the blend. In the environmental stress cracking (ESCR) tests, the time to failure increases with increasing PP content, despite PP's greater resistance to ESCR than LDPE. The addition of SEBS-g-MA to the blend significantly improves the flexibility and ESCR performance of PP/LDPE blends with specific weight fractions.

More than just a beer – Brewers' spent grain, spent hops, and spent yeast as potential functional fillers for polymer composites

Beer is among the most popular beverages in the world, with the production distributed uniformly between the biggest continents, so the utilization of brewing by-products is essential on a global scale. Among their potential recipients, the plastics industry offers extensive range of potential products. Herein, the presented study investigated the application of currently underutilized solid brewing by-products (brewers' spent grain, spent hops, spent yeast) as fillers for highly-filled poly(ε-caprolactone)-based composites, providing the first direct connection between spent hops or spent yeast and the polymer composites. Comprehensive by-product characterization revealed differences in chemical composition. The elemental C:O ratio, protein content, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity varied from 1.40 to 1.89, 12.9 to 32.4 wt%, and 2.41 to 10.24 mg/g, respectively, which was mirrored in the composites' structure and performance. Morphological analysis pointed to the composition-driven hydrophilicity gap limiting interfacial adhesion for high shares of brewers' spent grain and spent hops, due to high hydrophilicity induced by carbohydrate content. Phytochemicals and other components of applied by-products stimulated composites' oxidative resistance, shifting oxidation onset temperature from 261 °C for matrix over 360 °C for high spent yeast shares. Simultaneously, spent yeast also provided compatibilizing effects for poly(ε-caprolactone)-based composites, reducing complex viscosity compared to other fillers and indicating its highest affinity to poly(ε-caprolactone)due to the lowest hydrophilicity gap. The presented results indicate that the proper selection of brewing by-products and adjustment of their shares creates an exciting possibility of engineering composites' structure and performance, which can be transferred to other polymers differing with hydrophilicity.

Synergistic compatibilization effect on phase morphology evolution and properties of poly(ether-block-amide)/ethylene-vinyl acetate blends

We investigate the synergistic effect of ethylene-vinyl acetate grafted maleic anhydride (EVA-g-MAH) and styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene grafted maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MAH) compatibilizers on the phase morphology evolution, thermal and mechanical properties of polyether-block-amide/ethylene-vinyl acetate (PEBA/EVA) blends. Phase morphology of PEBA/EVA blends shows that the size of dispersed phase decreases in the presence of either EVA-g-MAH or SEBS-g-MAH compatibilizer. The simultaneous use of these two compatibilizers further reduces the dispersed phase size, indicating the synergistic effect of compatibilization. Thermal behavior analysis of PEBA/EVA blends reveals that the crystallization temperature (Tc), the enthalpy of fusion (ΔHm) and the crystallinity of PEBA decrease, the melting point (Tm) remains relatively unchanged with increasing EVA content. Tc and ΔHm increase for PEBA/EVA blends in the presence of compatibilizer. The tensile strength and elongation at break of PEBA/EVA blends decrease first and then increase with increasing EVA content. The simultaneous addition of EVA-g-MAH and SEBS-g-MAH compatibilizers is efficient to significantly improve the mechanical properties of PEBA/EVA blends. For instance, the tensile strength increases from 5.7 to 11.4 MPa, and the elongation at break increases from 73.5% to 600.9% for PEBA/EVA (50/50) blend in the presence of dual compatibilizers compared to the uncompatibilized blend. Dynamic mechanical analysis and rheological behaviors demonstrate that the modulus and complex viscosity are higher in PEBA/EVA blends by the simultaneous addition of two compatibilizers compared with the blends in the presence of one compatibilizer, suggesting the enhancement of interfacial interactions between PEBA and EVA, and further confirming the synergistic effect of compatibilization.

Effect of compatibilizer and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane on mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of polyamide6/poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) composites

The mechanical properties and morphology of polyamide 6/maleic anhydride grafted ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (PA6/EVA-g-MA) ternary composites are considered a function of compatibilizer (EVA-g-MA) amount at a mixing combination of 20 wt% dispersed phase (combination of EVA and the compatibilizer). 1–7 wt% compatibilizer are added to PA6/EVA-g-MA, whereas the PA6 doping is kept constant at 80 wt% in the ternary composites. Furthermore, 0.5, 1, 3, and 5 wt% octa-Isobutyl POSS (OIP) is used for reinforcement. The thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of PA6/EVA-g-MA composites have been studied through DSC, TGA, DMTA, traditional mechanical measurements, and SEM. Tensile strength and Young’s modulus declined by increasing the compatibilizer concentration. The impact strength of PA6/compatibilizer improved considerably up to 3 wt% of the compatibilizer and then decreased. TGA analysis demonstrated a considerable improvement in the thermal stabilities of the nanocomposites by raising the OIP amount. The results of DMTA, including Tg, and DSC analysis demonstrated that the inclusion of OIP in PA6/compatibilizer considerably changed the thermal properties of only PA6 in PA6/compatibilizer. Incorporating OIP into the composite up to 1 wt% improved its modulus, tensile, and impact strength.

Thermoplastic starch nanocomposites derived directly from cornmeal

A high content of water is needed in traditional thermoplastic starch (TPS) processing to plasticize the starch and facilitate the processing, which leads to relatively low strength and modulus of the products and causes the issue of product aging partially due to the gradual water loss over time. In this work, based on the results from our previous study on lignin and cellulose nanofibril-reinforced TPS composites, a low content of citric acid (<0.5 wt%) was used to replace all the added water in the prior study (∼20 wt%). Citric acid demonstrated a much stronger viscosity-reducing effect than water and enabled composite processing at a very low acid content. The resultant nanocomposites exhibited much higher strength and modulus than those containing 20 wt% water as the processing aid. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) results showed strong interactions between the polar groups of starch and other ingredients. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photos indicated the disappearance of the two-phase “sea-island” morphology, suggesting the strong compatibilization effect of the acid. To lower the cost of the nanocomposites, we further replaced the starch and zein (an expensive biopolymer) components in the original composites with low-cost cornmeal. The new nanocomposites with cornmeal as the major ingredient exhibited similar processability and mechanical properties. With its low cost and high properties, this new type of agricultural byproduct-based nanocomposites is expected to be a promising material to replace synthetic polymers in many applications.

Poly(butylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene glycol) blends with compatibilizers

AbstractPolymer blend systems offer a versatile approach for tailoring the properties of polymer materials for specific applications. In this study, we investigated the compatibility of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) blends processed using a twin‐screw extruder, with the aim of enhancing their compatibility. Phthalic anhydride (PAn) and phthalic acid (PAc) were used as potential compatibilizers at different concentrations to improve interfacial interactions between PBT and PEG. Blend morphologies were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, which revealed improved interfacial compatibility and reduced phase separation with the incorporation of small amounts of PAn and PAc. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated changes in the melting temperature (Tm) and glass transition temperature (Tg) of the blends owing to the compatibilizing effects of PAn and PAc. Dynamic mechanical analysis further corroborated the influence of the compatibilizers on the Tg and viscoelastic behavior. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated enhanced thermal stability with the addition of either PAn or PAc. Rheological measurements indicated an increase in complex viscosity with increasing compatibilizer content, indicating improved compatibility. The degradation point (Td) of PBT/PEG blend increased from 158 to 200 and 319°C with the incorporation of 5 phr PAn and 2 phr PAc, respectively. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength, Young's modulus, and Izod impact strength, were evaluated. For instance, the tensile strength of PBT/PEG blend was enhanced from 43.5 to 48.7 and 49.7 MPa by incorporating 5 phr PAn and 2 phr PAc, respectively. However, the impact strength of PBT/PEG blend increased from 3.0 to 4.3 and 4.2 kJ/m2 with the addition of 1 phr PAn and 1 phr PAc, respectively. The findings demonstrated that adding 5 phr PAn or 2 phr PAc to the PBT/PEG blends was advantageous, achieving a harmony of performance benefits and compromises. Rheological observations contributed significantly to the mechanical and thermal properties. Overall, the study highlights the significance of utilizing PAn and PAc as effective compatibilizers for enhancing the properties of PBT/PEG blends, making them potential candidates for various applications.

Probing the interface structure of block copolymer compatibilizers in semicrystalline polymer blends

AbstractThe use of block copolymers to compatibilize immiscible plastics is an important strategy for upcycling municipal plastic wastes. Multiblock copolymers (MBCPs) have been proven to be more effective compatibilizers than di‐ and tri‐block copolymers. Herein, we probe the interface structure of an effective multiblock copolymer compatibilizer and compare that with an ineffective triblock copolymer (TBCP). The interface activity of the compatibilizers is understood through a combination of small‐angle neutron and x‐ray scatterings (SANS and SAXS), by using deuterated homopolymer matrix and protonated compatibilizers. SANS analysis suggests that the MBCP forms a thicker interface layer (7–9 nm) than the TBCP (0–4 nm). In addition, SANS data seems to point to a stronger tendency for the MBCP to locate at the interface. Both factors contribute to its effectiveness at compatibilizing immiscible homopolymers.

Biodegradable compatibilizer modified corn stover/poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) composites

AbstractGreat environmental and economic benefits can be achieved by utilizing the agricultural residue corn stover (CS) to prepare the biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) composites. However, CS contains polarized hydroxyl groups from its main component cellulose, thus leading to its poor wetting by hydrophobic PBAT. It is of great significance to promote the compatibility between CS and PBAT for the improvement of interfacial interactions and composite performance, but the compatibilizer modified CS/PBAT biocomposites have been rarely mentioned until now. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG), glycidyl methacylate (GMA), and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) were chosen to investigate the compatibilizer effect on the morphology, microstructure, thermal properties, mechanical strength, and water absorption capacity of the biodegradable CS/PBAT composites. The results reveal that the incorporated compatibilizers obviously improve the interface adhesion between CS and PBAT by reducing the hydrophilicity of CS surface. The enhanced interfacial bonding interactions effectively promote the crystallinity and mechanical strength of the CS/PBAT composites, but the initial degradation temperature and hydrophilicity of compatibilizers themselves also remarkably influence the composites’ thermostability and water absorption.Highlights The agricultural residue corn stover (CS) was used to reinforce PBAT. Effects of three different compatibilizers on the composites were studied. Compatibilizer improves the interface adhesion between CS and PBAT. Compatibilizer promotes crystallinity and mechanical strength of composites. The stability and hydrophilicity of compatibilizer affect those of composite.

Super-tough poly(lactic acid)/silicone rubber thermoplastic vulcanizates: The organic and inorganic synergistic interfacial compatibilization

Polymer modification using silicone rubber represents a promising avenue for enhancing physico-mechanical properties. However, achieving optimal performance through direct blending is hindered by the poor interface compatibility between silicone rubber and the matrix. In this study, we prepared super-tough thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) of polylactic acid/silicone rubber through dynamic vulcanization with PLA, methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVQ), glycidyl methacrylate grafted MVQ (MVQ-g-GMA), and fumed silica nanoparticles (SiO2). The impact of the SiO2 addition in MVQ on the morphology, mechanical properties, crystallization, and thermal properties of the TPVs was investigated. The results showed that MVQ-g-GMA and SiO2 exhibited a synergistic compatibilization effect significantly improving the interfacial adhesion between PLA and MVQ. Therefore, the impact and tensile strength of the TPVs increased from 8.0 kJ/m2 and 22.2 MPa to 62.6 kJ/m2 and 36.7 MPa, respectively. Moreover, the TPVs also presented good low-temperature toughness with a maximum impact strength of 40.4 kJ/m2 at −20 °C. Additionally, improvements in thermal stability and crystallization rate were also observed. Overall, combining organic and inorganic synergistic compatibilization is a feasible and effective method to fabricate outstanding low-temperature toughness to PLA.

Influence of compatibilizer component on the properties of modified asphalt for disposable medical masks

Due to the impact of COVID-19, there has been a significant increase in the production of disposable medical masks (DMM), resulting in substantial environmental damage. To address this environmental concern, numerous scholars have conducted research on the performance of DMM modified asphalt. However, there is still a lack of research regarding the influence of compatibilizer components on the performance of DMM modified asphalt. In this study, compatibilizers-B, C, and D, each with different ratios of components, were prepared by blending compatibilizer A (enriched in saturated components) with compatibilizer E (enriched in aromatics). The effects of these different compatibilizers on the properties of DMM modified asphalt were further investigated. Firstly, the high-temperature rheological properties of various samples were studied through the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test. Additionally, the mechanism of DMM modified asphalt properties under the influence of different compatibilizer components was investigated by fluorescence microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) tests. The performance of DMM modified asphalt in the presence of various compatibilizers was evaluated by conventional experiments. Finally, an infrared spectroscopy test was conducted to calculate the carbonyl and sulphoxide group indexes and to study the high-temperature stability of the DMM modified asphalt under the influence of different components of compatibilizer. The results indicate that the higher the aromatic content in the compatibilizer, the lower the glass transition temperature of DMM modified asphalt, leading to improved low-temperature performance. Enhanced crosslinking and dispersion of DMM fibers in the asphalt result in improved high-temperature stability and thermodynamic behavior. Comparing the samples of compatibilizer-D (48.54% aromatic compounds) and compatibilizer-E (72.82% aromatic compounds), DMM modified asphalt initially exhibits an increase in both softening point and Brookfield viscosity, followed by a decrease. Meanwhile, the penetration value shows the opposite trend, with an improvement in storage stability.

PP/MACAIBA almond composites: Effect of SEBS-MA and EPDMA-MA compatibilizers on the mechanical properties and biodegradation

There is a need to develop environmentally friendly materials, especially plastics, that minimize environmental pollution. In this sense, polypropylene (PP) composites were produced with 20 wt% of Macaiba almond powder (MA*) and compatibilized with SEBS-MA and EPDM-MA to carry out a biodegradation investigation of these composites. Mechanical properties (impact, tensile), heat deflection temperature (HDT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR) experiments were performed. These analyses verified that the best plasticization was reached in the composites with 15% of SEBS-MA and EPDM-MA, indicating an interaction between phases. The impact strength and elongation at break of the PP/MA*/EPDM-MA and PP/MA*/SEBS-MA composites increased significantly, suggesting tough behavior. Biodegradation occurred in the soil for 120 days, and both PP/MA*/10EPDM-MA and PP/MA*/15EPDM-MA demonstrated a mass loss of about 4.68% and 4.0%, respectively. Although PP is not biodegradable, the results show that macaíba almond powder can biodegrade in the PP matrix.