Influence Of Compatibilizer Research Articles

Tensile properties and deformation by different compatibilizers in bio-based polylactide/poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) blends

Blending chemically synthesized poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) with polylactide (PLLA) can overcome PLLA's brittleness, offering fully biobased blends. However, due to low compatibility between PLLA and P4HB, the influence of compatibilizers on the morphology, structure and tensile deformation of PLLA/P4HB blends remains to be unresolved. This article introduces reactive poly(methyl methacrylate-co-styrene-glycidyl methacrylate) (MSG) and non-reactive polyformaldehyde (POM) compatibilizers to improve the compatibility between P4HB and PLLA, achieving the maximal elongation at break exceeding 300 % at 2 wt% MSG or 3 wt% POM. MSG inhibits PLLA crystallization, extending stress stability in the silver streak stage, while POM enhances crystallization, prolonging the strain-hardening stage. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) analysis show that pristine PLLA forms voids before fracture, and PLLA/P4HB blends cavitate at the yield point and develop crazes in the silver streak stage. MSG effectively transmits stress and delays cavitation, extending the silver streak stage, whereas POM forms a microcrystalline network, lowering the energy barrier for stretching-induced recrystallization. These findings could provide theoretical guidelines on selecting compatibilizers for different PLLA based blends.

Impact of compatibilization on polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend: A review

In this review we have summarize, the compatibilization process, potential applications, and future aspects of polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend. The effect of several compatibilizers such as organic/inorganic compounds, nanomaterials, or a combination of more than one compatibilizers is presented. Whenever a pair of polymers are blended together, the physical and chemical characteristics of the blend are tested to identify whether the combination is compatible or incompatible. Compatibility between constituent polymers influences the overall property of blended polymers, such as mechanical strength, thermal behaviour, morphology, flow behavior, and rheology. Homogeneous mixing of polymer component is essential and for this purpose twin-screw extruders (TSE) are superior as compared to single-screw extruders (SSE). However, in some cases chain scission occurred during the extrusion process due to high shear stress and long residence time of TSE. SSE is unable to perform homogeneous mixing mainly in case of chemically inert thermoplastics. PP and ABS are inert thermoplastics, difficult to mix with each other due to the high interfacial tension. Adding an appropriate compatibilizer can significantly improve the interfacial adhesion. Here, the influence of compatibilizer, compatibilization process and technique of blending on PP/ABS blends are reported systematically. Also, effect on tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength, impact strength, elongation at break, melting temperature, glass transition temperature, crystallinity, miscibility, electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and morphology of the blended material are summarised and compared (Mourad, 2010 [1]; Chen et al., 2011 [2]).

Toughening and thermal characteristics of plasticized polylactide and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blend films: Influence of compatibilization

Bio-based polylactide (PLA) derived from fermented corn starch was blended with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and triethyl citrate (TEC) plasticizer using a twin screw extruder. PLA-grafted-maleic anhydride (PLA-g-MA) synthesized via reactive maleation and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) were used as compatibilizers for these blends. Improvements in the toughness, phase morphology and thermal behavior of the PLA/PBAT/TEC (PBT) blend films were evaluated in terms of compatibilization effect. The compatibilized PBT blends showed noticeably superior tensile strength, elongation, and tensile-impact toughness compared with uncompatibilized ones due to the greater compatibility of PLA and PBAT phases. Well dispersed PBAT particles and many elongated fibrils were observed on the fracture surface of the film after compatibilization. Both TDI and PLA-g-MA were effective compatibilizers for the blend at an appropriate level. The addition of PLA-g-MA to the plasticized blends not only significantly enhanced mechanical properties and phase adhesion, but also accelerated cold crystallization and formed crystal perfection, a result of improvements in chain mobility and packing efficiency. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results revealed changes in Tg and melting behavior of the blends from influences of compatibilization. The different types and levels of compatibilizer affected the thermal stability of the PLA phase but did not affect char remaining.

Influence of compatibilizer and multifunctional additive loadings on flame retardation, plasticization, and impact modification of polylactide and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) biodegradable blends

The poor compatibility and flame retardation of polylactide (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) blends seriously limit their applications. This study focused on the mechanical properties and flame retardancy of a PLA/PBAT blend under the influence of different levels of compatibilizer and multifunctional additives (MFA). PLA and PBAT were successfully compatibilized via reactive blending in a twin‐screw extruder. The flame retardation, flexibility, and impact toughness of the compatibilized blend were improved by the presence of tricresyl phosphate (TCP) and triethyl citrate (TEC). Separately and in combination, the two additives played crucial roles in flame retardant effectiveness, plasticization, and impact modification. The compatibilized blend displayed a UL‐94 V‐0 rating and exhibited a high limiting oxygen index (LOI). A slight reduction in thermal stability was exhibited when 20 phr TCP was incorporated into the blend. During combustion, an integrated char layer formed on the compatibilized blend surface and retarded flammability. The combination of TCP and TEC not only significantly improved dripping behavior and flame‐retardant properties of the compatibilized blend but also cooperatively enhanced the elongation at break and impact strength without impacting tensile strength, Young's modulus, LOI value, and thermal stability. The failure behavior of the blend changed from brittle to ductile, as evidenced by SEM, which revealed elongated fibrils after tension. These characteristics were associated with the presence of the MFAs and the improved interfacial adhesion between PLA and PBAT. As a result, flame retardation, flexibility, and impact resistance were enhanced. These improvements permit the wider application of PLA, especially in the electronic and automotive fields.Highlights Compatibilized PLA/PBAT blend achieved the V‐0 rating and had a high LOI. Both TCP and TEC could be used as multifunctional additives (MFAs) in the compatibilized blend. Combination of MFAs synergistically enhanced elongation at break and impact strength without impacting other properties of the blends. These improvements permit the wider application of PLA, especially in the electronic and automotive fields.

Polypropylene/Graphene Nanocomposites: Effects of GNP Loading and Compatibilizers on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties.

In this research work, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were selected as alternative reinforcing nanofillers to enhance the properties of polypropylene (PP) using different compatibilizers called polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) and ethylene-octene elastomer grafted maleic anhydride (POE-g-MA). A twin screw extruder was used to compound PP, GNP, and either the PP-g-MA or POE-g-MA compatibilizer. The effect of GNP loading on mechanical and thermal properties of neat PP was investigated. Furthermore, the influence and performance of different compatibilizers on the final properties, such as mechanical and thermal, were discussed and reported. Tensile, flexural, impact, melting temperature, crystallization temperature, and thermal stability were evaluated by using a universal testing system, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). For mechanical properties, it was found that increasing GNP content from 1 wt.% to 5 wt.% increased tensile strength of the neat PP up to 4 MPa. The influence of compatibilizers on the mechanical properties had been discussed and reported. For instance, the addition of PP-g-MA compatibilizer improved tensile strength of neat PP with GNP loading. However, the addition of compatibilizer POE-g-MA slightly decreased the tensile strength of neat PP. A similar trend of behavior was observed for flexural strength. For thermal properties, it was found that both GNP loading and compatibilizers have no significant influence on both crystallization and melting temperature of neat PP. For thermal stability, however, it was found that increasing the GNP loading had a significant influence on improving the thermal behavior of neat PP. Furthermore, the addition of compatibilizers into the PP/GNP nanocomposite had slightly improved the thermal stability of neat PP.

Influence of compatibilizer and carbon nanotubes on mechanical, electrical, and barrier properties of PTT/ABS blends

Abstract Composites based on poly (trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend with maleic anhydride grafted PTT (PTT-g-MA) as a compatibilizer and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcers were prepared via melt-mixing, and the mechanical, electrical, and barrier properties of the as-fabricated composites were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of the cross-section of the composites after tensile test showed improved phase stability in the presence of the compatibilizer PTT-g-MA. The toughness of the composites was also improved with the addition of the compatibilizer and CNTs. Electrical conductivity tests were carried out and the results showed that CNT-reinforced composite exhibited significantly increased conductivity. Since barrier properties are very sensitive to structural changes, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the composites was measured and the results showed that the composites possess a much high oxygen barrier compared to that of the neat PTT or ABS.

Influence of compatibilizer on the properties of low-density polyethylene/polyamide 6 blends obtained by mechanical recycling of multilayer film waste.

Polymeric wastes have caused increasing environmental problems, mainly in oceans that accumulate large amounts of non-degradable plastic waste. Particularly, waste of polymeric multilayer films for packaging presents low interest for mechanical recycling due to the poor properties and low commercial value of the recycled material generated as polymeric blends. Multilayer films of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyamide 6 (PA6) is a typical material used for packaging applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of the concentration of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE- g-MA) on the compatibilization of LDPE/PA6 blends generated from mechanical recycling of multilayer films containing both polymers. The action of the PE- g-MA on the properties of the LDPE/PA6 blends was evaluated by tensile tests, optical microscopy, melt flow rate, and scanning electron microscopy. The use of PE- g-MA at 2.5 wt% as a compatibilizer during reactive extrusion of the multilayer films waste has showed the best result for production of the respective recycled LDPE/PA6 blends.

Compatibilizers Effect on Silyl-Terminated Polyether/Epoxy Resin System Mechanical and Rheological Properties

In this work we study influence of compatibilizers on tensile and rheological properties of new Silyl terminated polymer/Epoxy two component systems. In early works about that kind systems most of attention is devoted to polymers used (mainly silyl terminated polyether), while less attention is paid to catalysts, compatibilizers and additives [1-2]. One of the most important system elements are compatibilizers, while in this particular system silyl terminated polyether cannot react with epoxy groups directly. This work indicates that compatibilizer has a crucial meaning to reach material potential mechanical properties.

Rheological, morphological and mechanical properties of flax fiber polypropylene composites: influence of compatibilizers

In this work, the rheological, mechanical and morphological properties of flax fiber polypropylene composites were investigated. The effect of incorporating a polypropylene grafted acrylic acid or a polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride on these properties has been studied as well. According to scanning electron microscopic observations and tensile tests, the addition of a compatibilizer improved the interfacial adhesion between the flax fibers and the polymer matrix. The tensile modulus of composite containing 30 wt% flax fibers was improved by 200 % and the tensile strength improved by 60 % in comparison with the neat PP. Plasticizing effect of the compatibilizers as a result of their lower melt flow index was also shown to decrease the rheological properties of the composites, even though the effect was not pronounced on the mechanical properties.

Melt processing and characterization of polypropylene/pristine montmorillonite nanocomposite: Influence of compatibilizer and hyperbranched polymer

In the present investigation, nanocomposites of polypropylene (PP)-montmorillonite (MMT) clay were prepared by a single-step compounding method to study the influence of hyperbranched polyester (HBPE) on rheological and mechanical properties of PP composites in the presence of a compatibilizer. In service of this objective, polyvinylchloride-grafted-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) was used as a compatibilizer for hydrophobic PP and hydrophilic clay. Rheological property in terms of melt viscosity was examined by a Brabender torque rheometer. The composite's morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), whereas the dispersion state of nanoparticles in the PP matrix was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The thermal behavior of nanocomposites was examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The analysis of results confirmed that the interactions among both additives significantly influenced the morphology, rheology, and thermomechanical properties of the nanocomposites. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:72–79, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

Influence of Compatibilizer on Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid/Natural Rubber Blends

Derived from renewable resources, Poly (lactic) acid (PLA) exhibits good mechanical properties comparable with conventional polyolefins. However, major obstacle in PLA which may limit its application is due to brittleness. Thus, PLA requires toughening to overcome the weakness. In this study, PLA was blended with different ratio of natural rubber (0 to 20 wt.%) through melt blending in a twin screw extruder. The results of tensile strength and Young’s modulus of PLA/NR blends were decreased. In order to enhance the blend performance, PLA grafted maleic anhydride (PLA-g-MA) was used as compatibilizer. The preparation of PLA-g-MA was carried out using internal mixer by free radical melt grafting reaction followed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis to confirm the grafting reaction. To investigate the compatibilization effect on the mechanical properties of PLA/NR blends, PLA-g-MA was added to the blends at various compositions (1 – 10 phr). Mechanical properties increased markedly compared to the virgin PLA/NR blends and FTIR result confirmed grafting reaction occurred between MA and PLA.

Influence of compatibilizer on mechanical, morphological and rheological properties of PP/ABS blends

The objective of this work was to study the compatibilizer effect on polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blends. The blends were coextruded and injection molded in various ratios of ABS with and without compatibilizers. Universal testing machine was employed to analyze the tensile properties of basic PP/ABS binary blends. From the mechanical testing, the impact and tensile properties of PP/ABS blend were optimized at 80/20 weight ratio. Various compatibilizers such as PP-g-MAH, SEBS-g-MAH and ethylene α-olefin copolymer were used and their comparative performance on binary blend was enumerated. Hybrid compatibilization effect was also studied and reported. However, the addition of compatibilizers showed the maximum increase in impact strength attributed to rubber toughening effect of ABS. The effect of compatibilizers on morphological properties was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM micrographs depicted the more efficient dispersion of ABS particles in PP matrix with the addition of compatibilizers. Further, interparticle distance analysis was carried out to evaluate the rubber toughening effect. The ABS droplet size in compatibilized PP/ABS blend was brought to minimum of 3.2 μm from 9.9 μm with the addition of compatibilizers. The melt rheology of PP/ABS blend systems was investigated through parallel plate arrangement in frequency sweep. Linear viscoelastic properties like storage (G′) and loss (G″) modulus and complex viscosity (η*) have been reported with reference to the virgin materials. It is understood that the combination of compatibilizers (hybrid compatibilizer) had a considerable effect on the overall blend properties.

MWNT‐filled PC/ABS blends: Correlation of morphology with rheological and electrical response

A systematic study was done on morphological, electrical and rheological behavior of co‐continuous or dispersed‐type polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile‐styrene‐butadiene (ABS) blends, containing different amounts of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT). The MWNTs gave substantial electrical conductivities to these nanocomposites at very low concentrations, owing to the effective melt processing method. Because of selective localization of MWNTs in the PC phase, along with double percolation phenomenon, the blend with co‐continuous morphology showed a lower electrical and rheological percolation threshold, higher melt viscosity and elasticity, as compared to the system with dispersed morphology. The morphology of both the blend systems was refined as a result of MWNTs incorporation but the morphology type remained unchanged. A typical role of compatibilizer in refining blend morphology was observed in both the systems. The electrical conductivity of the system filled with MWNTs in presence of compatibilizer, was lower than the systems filled with MWNTs only, which was attributed to role of compatibilizer in directing a part of MWNTs from PC matrix toward ABS phase. With increasing compatibilizer/MWNTs ratio, the influence of compatibilizer on morphology refinement and conductivity reduction was intensified. By comparing TEM micrograph of PC/SAN/MWNTs with that of PC/ABS/MWNTs, it was revealed that small portion of MWNTs was also located on polybutadiene rubber fraction of ABS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 739‐748, 2013

Influence of compatibilizer on blends degradation during processing

The thermomechanical degradation of blends made from polypropylene and polystyrene, with or without compatibilizer, was studied using an internal mixer coupled to a torque rheometer. The blends processed without compatibilizer presented regular and expected results regarding torque reduction, with evidence of chain scission. The blends processed with the block copolymer of styrene and butadiene, SBS, as a compatibilizer presented unchanged or less reduced variation on torque values during processing. The extraction of stabilizers from the compatibilizer before processing did not affect the results. The compatibilizer concentration in the blends was varied, with its influence still being observed in concentrations as low as 0.03 parts per hundred. Similar results were obtained in an experiment comparing the performance of a primary commercial anti-oxidant, Irganox 1076, and the compatibilizer SBS. Therefore, the compatibilizer can be considered as a processing aid agent with positive influence on avoiding thermomechanical degradation.

Microstructural Evolutions of Polymer Blends by Statistical Analysis: Influence of Compatibilizer on Break‐up and Coalescence Processes

AbstractSummary: Statistical analysis of the size distribution of a polymer minor phase droplets was successfully applied for the characterization of morphology in a LDPE/PA6 blend (75/25 wt/wt) obtained after mixing with adding SEBS‐g‐MA(S) compatibilizer and/or organoclay 20A. It was shown that the developed approach provided detailed analysis of the morphology development in the polymer blends, including the primary droplets formation of the minor polymer phase and their break‐up and coalescence. The introduction of organoclay increased the break‐up of primary droplets and completely suppressed their coalescence. The addition of compatibilizer S, in contrast to nanoclay, did not suppress coalescence but the mean size of the primary droplets as well the droplets formed at coalescence strongly reduced. The combined addition of compatibilizer S and nanoclay did not change the morphology development of the LDPE/PA6 blend. Both processes of the droplet transformation were accelerated, similar to the system with addition of compatibilizer S only. However, the increase of nanoclay amount disturbed break‐up of the primary droplets, and the mean size of these droplets increases. Thereafter, the mean size of droplets formed at coalescence also increased. The results of statistical analysis of phase morphology were found to correlate with the mechanical properties of the polymer blends. The fine dispersion of the minor polymer phase improved the stiffness of the polymer blends. For enhanced impact properties, the presence of relatively broad distribution of the minor polymer phase is necessary.

Influence of Compatibilizer and Processing Conditions on Morphology, Mechanical Properties, and Deformation Mechanism of PP/Clay Nanocomposite

Polypropylene/montmorillonite nanocomposite was prepared by melt intercalation method using a twin‐screw extruder with starve feeding system in this paper. The effects of compatibilizer, extruder rotor speed and feeding rate on properties of nanocomposite were investigated. Structure, tensile, and impact properties and deformation mechanism of the compounds were studied. For investigation of structure and deformation mechanisms, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission optical microscopy (TOM) techniques were utilized, respectively. The results illustrate that introduction of the compatibilizer and also variation of the processing conditions affect structure and mechanical properties of nanocomposite.

Influence of compatibilization on the mechanical behavior and morphology of polyethersulfone/polycarbonate blends

For the case of the ternary blend system of polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES) and a multi-block random copolymer of PES and PC, it was found that the interfacial adhesion was enhanced, the size of the dispersed phase was reduced and PES and PC formed an interlocking structure with the multi-block random copolymer. This suggests that the addition of the compatibilizer may have improved the miscibility between PES and PC, and yielded an improvement of the mechanical properties of the blends. The compatibility behavior of PES with PC was examined using differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis.

Dielectric properties of natural rubber/chitosan blends: Effects of blend ratio and compatibilization

The electrical properties of blends from natural rubber and chitosan have been studied in the frequency range of 10 2–10 6 Hz. Blending of chitosan with a non-polar polymer such as natural rubber is expected to improve the dielectric performance of chitosan, by reducing the polarity. This paper presents the results of dielectric properties of natural rubber/chitosan blends. Special attention has been paid to analyze the effect of blend composition, vulcanization of the major phase and the influence of compatibilization using maleic anhydride on the dielectric properties of natural rubber/chitosan blends. The temperature dependence of dielectric properties on the blends has also been studied.

Nonisothermal Crystallization Kinetics of HDPE/UHMWPE/n-HA Composites

The influence of compatibilizer and dispersant on the nonisothermal crystallization behavior of HDPE/UHMWPE/HA is investigated here by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It has been analyzed by Jeziorny method. For different composites, the Jeziorny plots shows the linear portion. The small deviations from linearity only appear at higher relative crystallinity because of the secondary crystallization. The value of Avrami parameter n is between 2.7 and 3.5. At the same temperature, Zc and Si become bigger after adding compatibilier and dispersant while tmax is decreasing. The activation energy of crystallization also have been studied by Kissinger equation. The result shows that the addition of compatibilizer and dispersant can decrease the activation energy. In addition, the compatibilizer and dispersant also improve the mechanical properties of composites.

Creep Behavior of PA6/NBR TPVs

The influence of compatibilizers and other additives in PA6/NBR blends is evaluated in terms of creep resistance. The results obtained are correlated with density, selective solvent extraction, tensile strength, DMA analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Our studies show an enhancement of dimensional stability of samples with the presence of EVAMA in the PA6 master batch. On the other hand, better elastomeric behavior is achieved with the compatibilization process, oxazoline-modified NBR being the best compatibilizer. Also, the possibility of evaluating a material in conditions near to final applications, through a shot-time test, with minimal material waste is shown.