Ethylene-methyl Acrylate-glycidyl Methacrylate Research Articles

An effective surface modification of carbon fiber for improving the interfacial adhesion of polypropylene composites

A simple and effective modification for carbon fiber (CF) was presented in our work. CF was coated with ethylene–methyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate (E–MA–GMA) terpolymer through solution dipping. A uniform layer of 2.0wt.% E–MA–GMA was confirmed on CF by IR, TGA and SEM. XPS showed that surface oxygen-containing functional groups were obviously increased after modification, which were advantageous to promote the reactivity of CFs. The treatment turned out to be helpful in enhancing the interfacial adhesion by micro-droplet experiment and the interfacial shear strength was 157% higher. The physical properties of PP/mCF composites were improved by static and dynamic mechanical analysis and the improvement was more noteworthy when maleic anhydride grafted PP (MAPP) was added to the matrix, which was consistent with the fracture morphology. The ultimate flexural strength, impact energy and tensile strength were increased by 139.3%, 233.9% and 126.1%. Besides, the mechanical performance of PP composites with 0–30wt.% CFs were all significantly enhanced by CF surface treatment in combination with MAPP modification. We believed that the excellent performance was not caused by fiber length or crystallinity, it was mainly due to the superior interfacial interaction by intermolecular chain entanglement, as well as chemical reaction between E–MA–GMA and MAPP.

Overcoming the Fundamental Challenges in Improving the Impact Strength and Crystallinity of PLA Biocomposites: Influence of Nucleating Agent and Mold Temperature.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), one of the widely studied renewable resource based biopolymers, has yet to gain a strong commercial standpoint because of certain property limitations. This work is a successful attempt in achieving PLA biocomposites that showed concurrent improvements in impact strength and heat deflection temperature (HDT). Biocomposites were fabricated from a super toughened ternary blend of PLA, poly(ether-b-amide) elastomeric copolymer and ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate and miscanthus fibers. The effects of varying the processing parameters and addition of various nucleating agents were investigated. Crystallinity was controlled by optimizing the mold temperature and cycle time of the injection process. With the addition of 1 wt % aromatic sulfonate derivative (Lak-301) as a nucleating agent at a mold temperature of 110 °C, PLA biocomposites exhibited dramatic reduction in crystallization half time to 1.3 min with crystallinity content of 42%. Mechanical and thermal properties assessment for these biocomposites revealed a 4-fold increase in impact strength compared to neat PLA. The HDT of PLA biocomposites increased to 85 °C from 55 °C compared to neat PLA. Crystallization behavior was studied in detail using differential scanning calorimetry and was supported with observations from wide-angle X-ray diffraction profiles and polarized optical microscopy. The presence of a nucleating agent did not alter the crystal structure of PLA; however, a significant difference in spherulite size, crystallization rate and content was observed. Fracture surface morphology and distribution of nucleating agent in the PLA biocomposites were investigated through scanning electron microscopy.

Effects of mixing protocols on impact modified poly(lactic acid) layered silicate nanocomposites

ABSTRACTPoly(lactic acid)/2 wt % organomodified montmorillonite (PLA/OMMT) was toughened by an ethylene‐methyl acrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate (E‐MA‐GMA) rubber. The ternary nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding in a twin screw extruder using four different addition protocols of the components of the nanocomposite and varying the rubber content in the range of 5–20 wt %. It was found that both clay dispersion and morphology were influenced by the blending method as detected by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and observed by TEM and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD results, which were also confirmed by TEM observations, demonstrated that the OMMT dispersed better in PLA than in E‐MA‐GMA. All formulations exhibited intercalated/partially exfoliated structure with the best clay dispersion achieved when the clay was first mixed with PLA before the rubber was added. According to SEM, the blends were immiscible and exhibited fine dispersion of the rubber in the PLA with differences in the mean particle sizes that depended on the addition order. Balanced stiffness‐toughness was observed at 10 wt % rubber content in the compounds without significant sacrifice of the strength. High impact toughness was attained when PLA was first mixed with the clay before the rubber was added, and the highest tensile toughness was obtained when PLA was first compounded with the rubber, and then clay was incorporated into the mixture. Thermal characterization by DSC confirmed the immiscibility of the blends, but in general, the thermal parameters and the degree of crystallinity of the PLA were not affected by the preparation procedure. Both the clay and the rubber decreased the crystallization temperature of the PLA by acting as nucleating agents. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41518.

Supertoughened renewable PLA reactive multiphase blends system: phase morphology and performance.

Multiphase blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (EMA-GMA) terpolymer, and a series of renewable poly(ether-b-amide) elastomeric copolymer (PEBA) were fabricated through reactive melt blending in an effort to improve the toughness of the PLA. Supertoughened PLA blend showing impact strength of ∼500 J/m with partial break impact behavior was achieved at an optimized blending ratio of 70 wt % PLA, 20 wt % EMA-GMA, and 10 wt % PEBA. Miscibility and thermal behavior of the binary blends PLA/PEBA and PLA/EMA-GMA, and the multiphase blends were also investigated through differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Phase morphology and fracture surface morphology of the blends were studied through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to understand the strong corelation between the morphology and its significant effect on imparting tremendous improvement in toughness. A unique "multiple stacked structure" with partial encapsulation of EMA-GMA and PEBA minor phases was observed for the PLA/EMA-GMA/PEBA (70/20/10) revealing the importance of particular blend composition in enhancing the toughness. Toughening mechanism behind the supertoughened PLA blends have been established by studying the impact fractured surface morphology at different zones of fracture. Synergistic effect of good interfacial adhesion and interfacial cavitations followed by massive shear yielding of the matrix was believed to contribute to the enormous toughening effect observed in these multiphase blends.

Aramid-HDPE Composites: Influence of Interface Adhesion Measured by T-peel Test on Tensile Properties

AbstractIn this study, the influence of using compatibilizer as tie-layer between fiber matrix interfaces in continuous aramid fiber reinforced high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was investigated. Maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted polyethylene and ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (EMA-GMA) terpolymer were used as compatibilizers at varying layer numbers. Adhesion strength was determined by T-peel test, and tensile test was carried out. It was found that higher MFR (Melt Flow Rate) valued matrix and compatibilizer application increased the mechanical performance. The maximum strength values were obtained with EMA-GMA applications. In observations of peeled parts and cross-sectional slices, interface adhesion was investigated and failure patterns were determined. It was seen that the samples with compatibilizer had more wetted portions especially the EMA-GMA tie-layered ones.

Effect of GMA polymer compatibilizers on highly filled composites of low density polyethylene/magnesium hydroxide

Functional polymers such as polyethylene grafted glycidyl methacrylate (PE-g-GMA) and ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (E/MA/GMA) were used as compatibilizers in the preparation of highly filled composites of polyethylene/magnesium hydroxide(PE/MH). Comparative studies were performed on the effect of magnesium hydroxide and stearic acid on the interface within polymer and magnesium hydroxide composites. The effect of polymeric compatibilizers on the properties of the composites was studied using tensile and impact tests, torque rheological analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The microstructure of highly filled PE/MH composites changed after the addition of functional polymers. The mechanical properties of the composite material increased after compatibilization. The compatibilization processes of PE-g-GMA and E/MA/GMA were different. The grafted polymer was more compatible with polyethylene, which led to a polar polymer phase. In contrast, the tercopolymer tended to adhere to the surface of MH particles.

Mechanical and thermal properties of impact modified PBT blends and impact modified PBT nanocomposites

Abstract Elastomer toughened poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/organoclay [Cloisite 30B, organo-montmorillonite (OMMT)] nanocomposites were prepared via melt blending using a micro-compounder. In this work, two types of impact modifiers, ultra low density polyethylene grafted glycidyl methacrylate (ULDPE-g-GMA, IM1) and ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (E-MA-GMA, IM2) were used, and a detailed comparison of the effect of both was made. With respect to the impact strength, 2 wt% of ULDPE-g-GMA produced a better result as compared to 2 wt% E-MA-GMA. Therefore, 2 wt% of ULDPE-g-GMA is considered as the optimized percentage for the preparation of nanocomposites. Being an impact modifier, ULDPE-g-GMA decreases the yield stress, tensile modulus and breaking strength of pure PBT. This issue was addressed in this paper by using organoclay, which may improve the tensile properties of PBT materials. The content of ULDPE-g-GMA was kept constant, whereas organoclay (OMMT) content was varied from 2 to 5 wt% in nanocomposites. The melting and crystallization behavior of pure PBT, impact modified PBT and its nanocomposites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crystalline morphology was investigated using polarizing optical microscopy (POM) at 185°C, 195°C, and 205°C crystallization temperatures. The optimum increase in tensile modulus of the elastomer toughened PBT nanocomposites was seen with a 3 wt% addition of organoclay.

Effect of carbon nanotube reinforcement on the properties of the recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene naphthalate) (r-PET/PEN) blends containing functional elastomers

In this study, the mechanical, thermomechanical, thermal, electrical properties and the morphology of the composites, based on blends of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (r-PET) and poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) that were mixed with functional elastomers and multi walled carbon nanotube (CNT) were investigated. Two types of functional elastomers; terpolymer of ethylene–ethyl acrylate–maleic anhydride (E-EA-MAH) and terpolymer of ethylene–methyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate (E-MA-GMA), were used to ensure the miscibility between PET and PEN during the preparation of the blends and composites. All composite and blend samples were extruded by using a laboratory scale twin screw microcompounder. Test samples were prepared via laboratory scale injection molding machine. According to the results of the thermomechanical tests, usage of both elastomers enhanced the miscibility between r-PET and PEN. Morphological analyses showed that the blends and composites which contain E-EA-MAH exhibited better elastomer phase dispersion with smaller domain sizes when compared with the samples with E-MA-GMA. Samples prepared with E-EA-MAH had better mechanical properties than the ones containing E-MA-GMA due to the better elastomer phase dispersion. Moreover, addition of CNT also improved the mechanical properties of the samples for both elastomer types. In contrast to mechanical test results, samples prepared with E-MA-GMA had higher electrical conductivity values when compared with those of the ones containing E-EA-MAH due to the differences in the selective distribution of CNT particles between the polymer phases in the samples.

Surface treatment of poly(ethylene terephthalate) by gamma-ray induced graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate and its toughening effect on poly(ethylene terephthalate)/elastomer blend

To improve the compatibility between ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate random terpolymer (E-MA-GMA) elastomer and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), thereby enhance the toughening effect of E-MA-GMA on PET, γ-radiation-induced graft copolymerization technique was used to graft methyl acrylate (MA) monomer onto PET. The produced PET-g-PMA copolymer can be used as a self-compatibilizer in PET/E-MA-GMA blend since the copolymer contains the same segments, respectively, with PET and E-MA-GMA. The impact strength of PET/E-MA-GMA blend increased nearly by 30% in the presence of less than 0.1wt% PET-g-PMA compared with that of the neat PET/elastomer blend, without loss of the tensile strength of the blends. This work proposed a potential application of radiation-induced grafting copolymerization technique on the in-situ compatibilization of PET/elastomer blends so as to improve the integral mechanical properties of PET based engineering plastic.

Mechanical and rheological properties, and morphology of polyamide‐6/organoclay/elastomer nanocomposites

AbstractThe effects of ethylene‐methyl acrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate (E‐MA‐GMA) terpolymer and three types of organoclays (Cloisite® 15A, 25A, and 30B) on mechanical and rheological properties, and morphology of impact modified polyamide‐6/montmorillonite ternary nanocomposites were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), parallel disk rheometry, melt flow index measurements, and tensile and impact tests. The materials were prepared by melt blending using a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder. XRD and TEM analyses showed that exfoliated‐intercalated nanocomposites were formed in both polyamide‐6/Cloisite® 25A and Cloisite® 30B binary nanocomposites and in ternary systems. SEM micrographs showed that rubber domain sizes were larger in the nanocomposites than in their corresponding polyamide‐6/elastomer blends. Generally, tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break decreased with the addition of elastomer to polyamide‐6/organoclay binary nanocomposites. In the melt state, liquid‐like behavior of polyamide‐6 slightly turned to pseudo solid‐like in the binary and ternary nanocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012

Preparation and characterization of low density polyethylene/ethylene methyl acrylate glycidyl methacrylate/organoclay nanocomposites

AbstractThe effects of organoclay type, compatibilizer, and the addition order of components during melt‐blending process on the morphology and thermal, mechanical, and flow properties of ternary nanocomposites based on low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) were investigated. As a compatibilizer, ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate (E‐MA‐GMA), as organoclays Cloisites® 15A, 25A, and 30B were used. All samples were prepared by a corotating twin screw extruder, followed by injection molding. The highest increase of the basal spacing for ternary nanocomposites was obtained in LDPE/E‐MA‐GMA/Cloisite® 30B nanocomposites with interlayer spacing of 59.2 Å. Organoclay and compatibilizer addition did not influence the melting/crystallization behavior of the compositions, and both compatibilizer and organoclays had no significant nucleation activity in LDPE. Among the ternary nanocomposites, the maximum increase in tensile strength and tensile modulus values was observed for nanocomposites containing organoclay Cloisite® 15A. The improvement with respect to neat LDPE was 43% for tensile strength and 44% for tensile modulus. According to the mechanical analysis, the best sequence of component addition was the one in which LDPE, organoclay, and compatibilizer were simultaneously fed to the extruder in the first run, and the product of the first run was extruded once more. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011

Morphology Evolution in PC/PE Blends with and without Compatibilization During Twin-Screw Extrusion

The morphology evolution in polycarbonate/polyethylene (PC/PE) blends with and without compatibilization in a twin-screw extruder was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effects of screw speed and compatibilizer on the morphology of PC/PE blend during the extrusion were discussed in detail. It was found that the shape and size of the dispersed phase in the uncompatibilized PC/PE blend are both influenced by the screw speed. The evolution of dispersed phase morphology can be affected by increasing screw speed, and the dispersed particle size decreases with the increasing of the screw speed. As a compatibilizer, the addition of the (ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate) copolymer (E-MA-GMA) could accelerate the breakup of the PC dispersed phase and decrease the dispersed particle size. The dispersed droplet size in the PC/PE blend with compatibilization was hard to change at different positions along the screw axis with a higher screw speed. Along with the addition of the compatibilizer, the dispersed particle size was slightly influenced by the screw speed.

Influence of reactive compatibilizers on the rheometrical and mechanical properties of PA6/LDPE and PA6/HDPE blends

In this work, the influence of reactive compatibilizers on the rheometrical and mechanical properties of polyamide 6/low density polyethylene (PA6/LDPE) and polyamide 6/high density polyethylene (PA6/HDPE) blends was investigated. Polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PEgMA), polyethylene grafted with acrylic acid (PEgAA), and ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (EMA-GMA) were used as compatibilizers. The blends were characterized by torque rheometry, mechanical properties, and morphology. Rheometrical properties results show that PEgMA and PEgAA compatibilizers are more reactive with PA6 than EMA-GMA. Mechanical properties and scanning electron microscopy analysis results show that EMA-GMA compatibilizer is as effective as PEgMA and PEgAA for PA6/LDPE blend. For PA6/HDPE blend, PEgAA and EMA-GMA compatibilizers proved to be as effective as PEgMA. For PA6/HDPE blend compatibilized with PEgAA, an intriguing “web” or “bridge” like structure was observed.

A novel approach to prepare PBT nanocomposites with elastomer‐modified SiO2 particles

AbstractPoly(butylenes terephthalate) (PBT)/SiO2 nanocomposites with uniform dispersion, strong interfacial adhesion, and improved mechanical properties have been prepared by a novel approach. Ethylene‐methyl acrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate (E‐MA‐GMA) elastomer chains were first chemically grafted onto the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectra result shows that elastomer‐modified SiO2 nanoparticles exhibit absorption at 2963–2862 cm−1 of the stretching modes of CH, which suggests the reaction between the hydroxyl groups of SiO2 surface and epoxy groups of E‐MA‐GMA. And the binding energy of Si2p and O1s of the elastomer‐modified SiO2 shifts to lower binding energy, which further confirms the formation of SiOC bonds. This surface treatment allows SiO2 nanoparticles homogeneously dispersing in PBT matrix. The morphology with loose aggregates contains networked SiO2 particles with an interparticle distance ranging from 0 to 30 nm. As a result, the storage modulus and the tensile properties of PBT/E‐MA‐GMA‐SiO2 nanocomposites are higher than those of pure PBT and PBT with untreated SiO2. The incorporation of E‐MA‐GMA‐modified SiO2 particles increases the tensile strength and modulus to 58.4MPa and 2661MPa respectively, which is 8% and 16% higher than those of pure PBT. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers

Impact essential work of fracture toughness of ABS/polyamide-6 blends compatibilized with olefin based copolymers

The impact fracture toughness of acrylonitrile-styrene-butadiene/polyamide-6 (ABS/PA6) blends compatibilized with 5% by weight carbon monoxide modified ethylene-n butyl acrylate-maleic anhydride (EnBACO-MAH) or ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (EMA-GMA) copolymers were examined as a function of blend ratio by standard Charpy tests, Essential Work of Fracture (EWF) Methodology and fracture surface morphologies. The samples were first processed in twin-screw extruder and they were subsequently injection moulded. The incompatibilized blends and neat-PA6 fractured in brittle manner, whereas compatibilized blends fractured in ductile manner. The EWF values yielded a maximum when weight percentages of ABS and PA6 were equal to each other. The values obtained in the case of EnBACO-MAH were higher than that of EMA-GMA regardless of blend composition in EWF tests. The trend of impact strengths observed in standard notched Charpy impact tests was in accordance with that of EWF values of blends. The morphology of the ABS/PA6 blends exhibited differences as a function of the component ratio and compatibilizer type. These differences in topology of the fracture surfaces of the blends were utilized to understand the deformation mechanism, and to correlate the fracture toughness values of the blends.

Rheological Properties, Morphology, and Thermal Performance of E‐MA‐GMA/PC Blend

Blends of ethylene–methyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate terpolymer (E‐MA‐GMA, a random terpolymer) and polycarbonate (PC) were prepared in a Haake torque rheometer and the rheological properties, phase morphology, and thermal behavior were investigated. The graft reactions of PC terminal hydroxyl groups with the epoxy groups of E‐MA‐GMA and the in situ formation of the E‐MA‐GMA‐g‐PC copolymers at the interface were illustrated by the improved mixing torque and melt viscosity in E‐MA‐GMA/PC blends. Typical variation and significant deformation of the dispersed phase was observed in E‐MA‐GMA/PC blends with different composition, where PC was the matrix. With the E‐MA‐GMA content increasing, a complex co‐continuous phase structure with some dispersed E‐MA‐GMA particles wrapped in the continuous PC phase was present, indicating strengthened interfacial adhesion. When the E‐MA‐GMA content was higher than the PC component, fibrous structure of the dispersed PC phase in the E‐MA‐GMA matrix was caused by shear flow and interfacial interaction. DSC studies showed that the melting point of E‐MA‐GMA shifted to lower temperature with the increase of PC content, indicating that the enhanced interaction and graft structure hindered the process of crystallization and crystal growth.

Reactive extrusion of poly(ethylene terephthalate)–(ethylene/methyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate)–organoclay nanocomposites

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the effects of component concentrations and addition order of the components on the final properties of ternary nanocomposites composed of poly(ethylene terephthalate), organoclay, and an ethylene–methyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate (E‐MA‐GMA) terpolymer acting as an impact modifier for PET. In this context, first, the optimum amount of the impact modifier was determined by melt compounding binary PET‐terpolymer blends in a corotating twin‐screw extruder. The amount of the impact modifier (5 wt%) resulting in the highest Young's modulus and moderate elongation at break was selected owing to its balanced mechanical properties. Thereafter, by using 5 wt% terpolymer content, the effects of organically modified clay concentration and addition order of the components on the properties of ternary nanocomposites were systematically investigated. Mechanical testing revealed that different addition orders of the materials significantly affected the mechanical properties. Among the investigated addition orders, the best sequence of component addition (PI‐C) was the one in which poly(ethylene terephthalate) was first compounded with E‐MA‐GMA. Later, this mixture was compounded with the organoclay in the subsequent run. In X‐ray diffraction analysis, extensive layer separation associated with delamination of the original clay structure occurred in PI‐C and CI‐P (Clay + Impact Modifier followed by PET) sequences with both 1 and 3 wt% clay contents. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed that at these conditions exfoliated structures resulted as indicated by the disappearance of any peaks due to the diffraction within the consecutive clay layers. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:251–258, 2007. © Society of Plastic Engineers

Effect of Impact Modifier on The Properties of Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate)-Organoclay Nanocomposites

The effects of component concentrations and addition order of the components, on the final properties of ternary nanocomposites composed of amorphous poly (ethylene terephthalate) matrix, organically modified clay, and an ethylene / methyl acrylate / glycidyl methacrylate (E-MAGMA) terpolymer were studied. All formulations were prepared by melt compounding of the components with a two-step mixing procedure in a corotating twin-screw extruder. Considering the X-Ray Diffraction, SEM, impact and strain at break results, the best sequence of component addition was the one in which PET was first compounded with E-MA-GMA, later this mixture was compounded with the organoclay in a subsequent run. In this mixing order, the polymer-impact modifier matrix mixture prepared in the first extrusion run has higher melt viscosity than pure PET, thus this matrix can apply high shear stresses on the clay particles and delaminate the clay layers resulting in the best mechanical properties.

Effects of olefin‐based compatibilizers on the morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of ABS/polyamide‐6 blends

AbstractIn this study, commercially available epoxidized and maleated olefinic copolymers, EMA‐GMA (ethylene‐methyl acrylate‐glycidyl methacrylate) and EnBACO‐MAH (ethylene‐n butyl acrylate‐carbon monoxide‐maleic anhydride), were used at 0, 5, and 10% by weight to compatibilize the blend composed of ABS (acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) terpolymer and PA6 (polyamide 6). Compatibilizing performance of these two olefinic polymers was investigated from blend morphologies, thermal and mechanical properties as a function of blend composition, and compatibilizer loading level. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that incorporation of compatibilizer resulted in a fine morphology with reduced dispersed particle diameter at the presence of 5% compatibilizer. The crystallization behavior of PA6 phase in the blends was explored for selected blend compositions by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). At high compatibilizer level a decrease in the degree of crystallization was observed. In 10% compatibilizer containing blends, formation of γ‐crystals was observed contrary to other compatibilizer compositions. The behavior of the compatibilized blend system in tensile testing showed the negative effect of using excess compatibilizer. Different trends in yield strengths and strain at break values were observed depending on compatibilizer type, loading level, and blend composition. With 5% EnBACO‐MAH, the blend toughness was observed to be the highest at room temperature. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 926–935, 2007

Processing and characterization of multilayer films of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and surface-modified poly(tetrafluoroethylene)

Multilayer films were prepared from poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) films together with using an adhesion promoting layer (tie-layer) consisting of ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (E-MA-GMA) terpolymer and low density polyethylene (LDPE) blend. Na/naphthalene treatment and subsequent acrylic acid grafting were applied on the surfaces of PTFE for chemical modification. FT-IR spectroscopy, XPS analysis and surface energy measurements were performed to characterize the modified PTFE films. The analyses showed defluorination and oxidation of PTFE surface, and supported the acrylic acid grafting. The surface energy of modified surfaces enhanced with respect to unmodified one, which promoted adhesion. The multilayers were subjected to T-peel tests to measure the adhesion strength between PET and modified PTFE. Peel strength between the films increased with increasing E-MA-GMA amount in the tie-layer. A proportional dependence of peel strength on Na/naphthalene treatment time was observed for multilayers containing acrylic acid grafted or ungrafted PTFE. From SEM analysis, it was observed that the texture of the PTFE surface after modifications became rougher when compared to untreated PTFE. The peeled surfaces were also analyzed by SEM. The micrographs evidence that the energy absorbing mechanism is the plastic deformation of the tie-layer, which is responsible for obtaining high peel strengths.