Presence Of Compatibilizer Research Articles

Enhanced mechanical property and flame retardancy of halogen‐free PE/EVA composites through crosslinking and carbon fiber inclusion

AbstractDue to the exceptional flame retardancy, environmental protection, cost‐effectiveness, and ease of processing, halogen‐free flame‐retardant polyethylene (PE) composites are attracting wide attention. However, the addition of halogen‐free flame retardants usually leads to significantly decreased mechanical properties of PE composites, which greatly limits its application. Herein, we report a halogen‐free flame‐retardant PE/ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer composite (PE/EVA) with excellent flame retardancy and mechanical properties by combining compatibilizer, crosslinking agent, and carbon fiber. The presence of compatibilizer not only improves the compatibility of halogen‐free flame retardants and matrix, but also interacts with the crosslinking agent to form a cladding structure on the surface of carbon fiber. The enhanced interaction between carbon fiber surface and matrix then results in significantly enhanced flame retardancy and mechanical properties of the composite. Specifically, adding 4 phr compatibilizer, 0.5 phr crosslinking agent, and 10 phr carbon fiber will lead to the halogen‐free flame‐retardant PE/EVA composite with a UL‐94 V‐1 level, limiting oxygen index of 27.1, and an increased tensile strength by 84.02% reaching 19.12 MPa. Moreover, further carbon fiber surface modification can further enhance the flame retardancy of the composite probably due to a synergistic flame‐retardant effect caused by the surface modified nitrogen and silicon elements. As a result, the composite achieves UL‐94 V‐0 level and the limiting oxygen index of 27.7 with well‐retained high tensile strength of 15.19 MPa. This work provides a practical strategy for enhancing the flame retardancy and mechanical property of PE‐based composite simultaneously.Highlights Compatibilizer interacts with crosslinking agent to form a cladding structure on the surface of carbon fiber. Crosslinking agent promotes the formation of chemical bonds between modified carbon fiber, compatibilizer, and matrix. Carbon fiber surface modification can enhance the flame retardancy of the composite due to the synergistic flame‐retardant effect.

Poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε-caprolactone) blends: Separate effects of nanocalcium carbonate and glycidyl methacrylate on interfacial characteristics

To expand the potential applications of polylactic acid (PLA), it is essential to incorporate a highly flexible polymer into the blend. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is an ideal choice due to its ductility and biodegradability. However, blending PLA with PCL resulted in weak mechanical properties. To address this issue, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and nano calcium carbonate (NCC) were introduced to enhance the adhesion at the interface between PLA and PCL. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images provided clear visual evidence of the impact of GMA and NCC on the morphology of the blend. Both components were effective in reducing the size of the dispersed PCL phase, shrinking it to approximately half the size of the original blend. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that GMA caused a reaction between its epoxy group and the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of PLA and PCL. This reaction led to the formation of strong peaks in the 6.5 to 7.5 range in 1H NMR, as well as peaks at 76 and 139 ppm in 13C NMR. These findings were further corroborated by FT-IR, which demonstrated that NCC, despite its surface coating, did not create any new bonds. Rheological studies further demonstrated the positive effects of GMA and NCC. Both the storage modulus (G′) and complex viscosity (η*) of the blends increased, showing improved post-processing performance. Investigation into the shear-thinning behavior of the uncompatibilized blends revealed that NCC caused a significant decrease in complex viscosity at higher frequencies, indicating the disruption of the nanoparticle network. The power-law slope was measured to be 0.62. In contrast, the blend containing the compatibilizer demonstrated a moderate decrease in viscosity, with a power-law slope of 0.36. To analyze the behavior of the PLA/PCL blends in the presence of compatibilizers and nanoparticles at intermediate frequencies, the Palirene model was utilized. The superior integrity of the compatibilized blend was effectively demonstrated by the model, which showed enhanced stress transfer and phase relaxation.

Poly(lactic acid)/ poly(ε-caprolactone) blends: the effect of nanocalcium carbonate and glycidyl methacrylate on interfacial characteristics

To expand the potential applications of polylactic acid (PLA), it is essential to incorporate a highly flexible polymer into the blend. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is an ideal choice due to its ductility and biodegradability. However, blending PLA with PCL resulted in weak mechanical properties. To address this issue, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and nano calcium carbonate (NCC) were introduced to enhance the adhesion at the interface between PLA and PCL. SEM images provided clear visual evidence of the impact of GMA and NCC on the morphology of the blend. Both components were effective in reducing the size of the dispersed PCL phase, shrinking it to approximately half the size of the original blend. Spectroscopic analysis revealed that GMA caused a reaction between its epoxy group and the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of PLA and PCL. This reaction led to the formation of strong peaks in the 6.5 to 7.5 range in 1H NMR, as well as peaks at 76 and 139 ppm in 13C NMR. These findings were further corroborated by FT-IR, which demonstrated that NCC, despite its surface coating, did not create any new bonds. Rheological studies further demonstrated the positive effects of GMA and NCC. Both the storage modulus (G′) and complex viscosity (η*) of the blends increased, showing improved post-processing performance. Investigation into the shear-thinning behavior of the uncompatibilized blends revealed that NCC caused a significant decrease in complex viscosity at higher frequencies, indicating the disruption of the nanoparticle network. The power-law slope was measured to be 0.62. In contrast, the blend containing the compatibilizer demonstrated a moderate decrease in viscosity, with a power-law slope of 0.36. To analyze the behavior of the PLA/PCL blends in the presence of compatibilizers and nanoparticles at intermediate frequencies, the Palirene model was utilized. The superior integrity of the compatibilized blend was effectively demonstrated by the model, which showed enhanced stress transfer and phase relaxation.

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.

Detection of compatibilizer efficiency in conductive polymer blends by impedance spectroscopy: Microstructure evaluation approach

AbstractA novel approach of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is proposed to investigate the role of a compatibilizer on nanoparticle distribution in polymer blends with a co‐continuous morphology. Polypropylene/poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) PP/EVA blends containing 3 vol% carbon nanotubes (CNT) with varying contents of polypropylene‐grafted‐ maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) as compatibilizer were directly melt mixed. Microscopy, rheology, and thermodynamic analyses confirmed the distribution of CNTs in PP, EVA, and their interface. The EIS behavior of the blend nanocomposites was remarkably changed due to the formation of interphase by PP‐g‐MA/CNT. It was found that as the efficiency of compatibilizer increases the frequency dependency of the impedance diminishes showing a significant shift in the frequency cutoff from 104 Hz to 5 × 105 Hz. The EIS results also showed that compatibilizer can affect the loss factor. Incorporating 5 vol% or 10 vol% of the compatibilizer slightly reduced the loss factor, but a considerable reduction was observed at 20 vol% at which a conductive continuous interphase of compatibilizer formed at the interface. Moreover, the presence of compatibilizer led to a remarkable increase in dielectric constant by four orders of magnitude. EIS can effectively and comfortably trace the performance of a compatibilizer in a conductive polymer blend nanocomposite.Highlights EIS measurements describe microstructure of conductive polymer blend. EIS detects morphology development of a compatibilizer at varying contents. Migration of compatibilizer intensifies the Nyquist diameter decrement. Compatibilizer decreases dielectric relaxation time.

EVA and SEBS-MA copolymers incorporated silicone rubber/SEBS blends: improvement of mechanical and thermal properties

Enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of Silicone rubber (SR)/SEBS blends using various compatibilizers opens the opportunity for such new blends to meet the market desire. For this purpose, blends with a 1:1 ratio of SR and SEBS are prepared with different amounts of EVA or SEBS-MA copolymers as compatibilizer. Mechanical properties of the blend are enhanced by adding EVA and SEBS-MA. Addition of 6 phr EVA profoundly improves the tensile strength from 7.70 to 10.06 MPa. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that the presence of compatibilizer can improve the thermal stability of the blend, especially its initial degradation temperature (T5%). T5% of the blend increases from 376 to 390 °C when comprising 6 phr SEBS-MA. Morphology of the blends is investigated using SEM and AFM. Results of the relaxation modulus curves obtained by rubber process analyzer (RPA) demonstrate that the amount of relaxation in the uncured blends is higher than the cured ones. A comparison of the relaxation of the blends indicates that the relaxation modulus of the SEBS-MA compatibilized blends is enhanced more than other blends after curing. Further investigations indicate that the compatibilized blends exhibit higher tear energy and lower compression set.

Does a Compatibilizer Enhance the Properties of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Composites?

We have evaluated the effectiveness of compatibilizers in blends and composites produced using a solvent manufacturing process. The compatibilizers were two different types of polyethylene (linear low-density and high-density) grafted with maleic anhydride (MAH) and a highly functionalized, epoxy-based compatibilizer with the tradename Joncryl. The selected material combinations were an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with MAH-based materials as compatibilizers and a polyphenylene sulfide plus polytetrafluoroethylene (PPS-PTFE) polymer blend with an epoxy-based compatibilizer. The findings revealed that while the compatibilizers consistently enhanced the properties, such as the impact strength and hardness of PPS-based compositions, their utility is constrained to less complex compositions, such as fibrous-reinforced PPS or PPS-PTFE polymer blends. For fibrous-reinforced PPS-PTFE composites, the improvement in performance does not justify the presence of compatibilizers. In contrast, for UHMWPE compositions, compatibilizers demonstrated negligible or even detrimental effects, particularly in reinforced UHMWPE. Overall, the epoxy-based compatibilizer Joncryl stands out as the only effective option for enhancing mechanical performance. Thermal and chemical characterization indicated that the compatibilizers function as chain extenders and enhance the fiber-matrix interface in PPS-based compositions, while they remain inactive in UHMWPE-based compositions. Ultimately, the incompatibility of the compatibilizers with certain aspects of the manufacturing method and the inconsistent integration with the polymer are the main reasons for their ineffectiveness in UHMWPE compositions.

Characterization and Properties of Durian Skin Fiber Filled Polylactic Acid/Polypropylene Compatibilized with Glut Palmitate Salt

PLA matrix provides good mechanical, physical and degradability properties, but somehow PLA alone is not good enough to produce a product as PLA has poor toughness resulting a brittle material. Natural fiber such as Durian skin fiber (DSF) can be incorporated into PLA/PP as a biopolymer to achieve the desired properties and better degradation which resulting a good bio-composite. Therefore, the study was carried out to produce bio-composite of DSF filled with PLA/PP and glut palmitate (GP) salt as compatibilizer. The bio-composites was successfully developed using different filler (DSF) loadings (0 php, 15 php, 30 php, 45 php and 60 php) with melt mixing blending. The FTIR analysis showed the new peak existed at 1595 cm-1 revealed a good interaction in the composite system which come from the bending of NH2 vibration from GP. The mechanical properties (tensile properties) and physical properties (water absorption ability and density) of prepared bio-composite were determined. Increasing of DSF filler loading to 60 php DSF in PLA/PP bio-composite with the addition of GP increased in tensile strength (5.06 ± 0.09 MPa) and elongation at break (3.74 ± 0.18%) due to enhanced interfacial bonding and strong adhesion between the polymer matrix and the filler due to the presence of compatibilizer. However, increased filler loading to 60 php DSF, showed a decreasing trend in the tensile modulus which represents high flexibility of the bio-composites. Furthermore, PLA/PP/DSF bio-composites absorption of water increases with the increasing filler loading until it reaches at saturation point. The study concludes that the DSF reinforced PLA/PP with the addition of GP was suitable to be used in the production of bioplastic by many industries which can promote a sustainable environment for society.

High biomass filled biodegradable plastic in engineering sustainable composites

The production of single-use, non-renewable plastic has persistently impacted the environment through non-biodegradable plastic accumulation. Injection-moulded biodegradable polymer blend [poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene-adipate) (PBSA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)] with an inexpensive filler, walnut shell powder (WSP), enables an appropriate melt flow behaviour after incorporating compatibilizer as confirmed by rheological analysis. The sustainable composites with 60 wt% WSP showed a decrement of 68.4% in tensile strength as compared to PBSA/PBAT blend. However, the inclusion of a 5 wt% compatibilizer in PBSA/PBAT/60wt%WSP composite increased tensile strength by 48.7%, indicating improved interfacial adhesion. Further, the improvements in tensile (694%) and flexural moduli (461%) of PBSA/PBAT blend were observed with the addition of 60 wt% WSP in presence of 7 wt% compatibilizer due to fibrillar morphology of filler. Thus, signifying enhanced stiffness with increased filler, leading to a composite suitable for rigid packaging. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed an improved adhesion between matrix and filler interfaces with the addition of a compatibilizer as gaps decreased, subsequently leading to increased mechanical properties. The novelty of this work establishes a high loading of filler can be incorporated with biodegradable polymers and improved properties in presence of compatibilizer makes it more suitable for injection moulding applications to produce a low-cost biocomposite capable of being used as a single-use plastic alternative in rigid packaging.

Compatibilization of Immiscible PA6/PLA Nanocomposites Using Graphene Oxide and PTW Compatibilizer for High Thermal and Mechanical Applications

The aim of this work is synthesis a novel nanocomposite containing Polylactide (PLA) and polyamide 6 (PA6) reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) and poly ethylene-butyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate) (PTW) compatibilizer during solvent-based method. For this purpose, GO was added to the nanocomposite with 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 phr. Morphology, rheology and mechanical properties of nanocomposites were studied with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and (DMTA) which showed rougher fracture surface due to the presence of compatibilizer and an increase in the amount of graphene oxide and better dispersion of graphene oxide. The results of experimental and theoretical studies of mechanical properties showed that increasing the concentration of graphene oxide in the presence of PTW improved the tensile strength, impact strength and tensile modulus in the PA6/PTW/PLA system. The study of rheological properties showed an increase in storage modulus and complex viscosity, which also confirmed the role of PTW compatibilizer in better GO dispersion. So, PA6/PTW/PLA is a good candidate for mechanical and high thermal applications.

The Effect of Epoxidized Soybean Oil on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of PLA/PBAT/PPC Blends by the Reactive Compatibilization.

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)/poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC) multi-phase blends were prepared by melt processing technique under the presence of compatibilizer with various composition. The effect on the physical and the mechanical property with/without ESO was characterized with spectrophotometric analysis, mechanical properties, thermal properties, rheological properties and barrier properties, and the structure-properties relationship was assessed. ​​The functional groups of PPC were found to effective to improve an interaction with carboxyl/hydroxyl group of PLA/PBAT binary blends to enhance the mechanical and physical properties on multi-phase blend system. The presence of PPC in PLA/PBAT blend affected the reduction of voids on the interface phase resulting in enhancing the oxygen barrier properties. With addition of ESO, the compatibility of ternary blend was found to be enhanced since the epoxy group of ESO reacted with the carboxyl/hydroxyl group of PLA, PBAT, and PPC, and under the condition with critical content of 4 phr of ESO, the elongation behavior dramatically increased as compared to that of blends without ESO while affecting reduction of oxygen barrier properties. The effect of ESO as a compatibilizer was clearly observed from the overall performances of ternary blends, and the potential feasibility of the PLA/PBAT/PPC ternary blends as packaging materials was confirmed at this study.

Evaluation of Eco-Friendly Hemp-Fiber-Reinforced Recycled HDPE Composites

The exploitation of natural fibers to reinforce polymers is a promising practice. Thus, biocomposites have gained increased attention in automotive, construction, and agricultural sectors, among others. The present work reports the reinforcement of recycled high-density polyethylene (r-HDPE) with hemp fibers to afford composite materials as sustainable analogues to conventional wood/plastic composite (WPC) products. HDPE bottles (postconsumer waste) were used as r-HDPE and further reinforced by the addition of hemp fibers. For the synthetic part, thirteen composite materials with different filler concentrations (10–75% wt. in hemp fibers) using either Joncryl or polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) as compatibilizers were prepared via melt mixing. Materials with good integrity were obtained with a fiber load as high as 75% wt. The structural, thermal, mechanical, and antioxidant properties of the r-HDPE/hemp composites were evaluated using multiple complementary characterization techniques. Stereoscopic microscope images demonstrated the satisfactory dispersion of the hemp fibers into the polymeric matrix, while scanning electron microscopy microphotographs revealed an improved adhesion between the filler and the polymeric matrix in the presence of compatibilizers. The incorporation of hemp fibers contributed to the improvement of the elastic modulus of the composites (almost up to threefold increase). The results showed that as the hemp fiber content increased, the antioxidant properties as well as the degradability of the composites increased. It is noteworthy that composites containing 75% wt. hemp fibers neutralized 80% of 2,2-diphenyil-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals within 45 min (DPPH assay). In conclusion, the present research work demonstrates that thermally recycled HDPE reinforced with biomass fibers received from agricultural waste is a valid alternative for the preparation of commodity products with an eco-friendly character compared to conventional wood/plastic composites.

Compatibilization of Poly (lactic acid)/Polycarbonate Blends using Triacetin-mediated Interchange Reactions

There is a strong interest in the use of poly (lactic acid) PLA which is a renewable polymer for environmental sustainability. The aim of the paper is to improve the properties of PLA by blending with polycarbonate (PC) at various ratios using melt blending technique. The effects of two types of triacetin (TA) as compatibilizers and tetra butyl ammonium tetraphenylborate (TBATPB) as catalyst were investigated. Mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of the PLA/PC blends were examined. The addition of both triacetin (2022 type, 5 wt%) with catalyst (0.2 wt%) in 50PLA/50PC blends showed good improvement in modulus and elongation at break. The Young’s modulus, flexural modulus and elongation at break increased by 280MPa, 238MPa and 94% respectively compared to uncompatibilzed 50PLA/50PC blend. It was depicted that transesterification reaction can take place only in the presence of compatibilizers; however, the addition of the catalyst accelerates the reaction. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed a new peak attributed to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PLA-PC copolymer at a temperature (~ 110 °C) higher than Tg of typical PLA and lower than the Tg of typical PC. It can be concluded that the addition of triacetin and catalyst results in the overall best mechanical properties, thereby confirming the synergistic action promoted the transesterification reaction between PLA and PC promoting the compatibility of the PLA/PC system.

Preparation, characterization, and compatibilization of novel rubber nanocomposites for mechanical applications: relationship between electrical properties, morphology, and rheology

In this paper, a novel rubber nanocomposite containing phenyl-vinyl-methyl-polysiloxane (PVMQ) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) was produced during a two-roll mill procedure for mechanical applications. For this purpose, ethylene propylene diene monomer-grafted-maleic anhydride compatibilizer (EPDM-g-MAC) and graphene oxide (GO) was used as a compatibilizer and reinforcements to make a uniform composite. To study mechanical and physical characterizations, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), rheology, morphology, and curing characterizations of nanocomposites were investigated, which showed that compatibilizer makes GO dispersion uniformly. An electrical resistivity test was performed to study the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites. The results indicate that the samples with higher GO content had a response to the electrical current. The curing study indicates that, by increasing the GO nanoparticles in the presence of EPDM-g-MAC, the curing properties are enhanced as well as mechanical properties by improving the bonding among GO, compatibilizer, and matrix [tensile strength (54%), modulus (68%), elongation-at-break (67%), hardness (81%), and fatigue (51%)]. FE-SEM and TEM images demonstrated that, by increasing GO nanoparticles in the presence of compatibilizer, the mean diameter of EPDM decreased in the substrate, which consequently increased the mechanical properties. The changes in surface temperature were investigated with constant voltage (75 V), which indicates that by increasing GO nanoparticles and electrical conductivity, the surface temperature increased significantly. The results of practical experiments showed good agreement with the theoretical results.

Studies on swelling behavior, mechanical and thermal properties of ternary rubber blend composites in the presence of compatibilizers

Purpose This study aims to investigate the swelling behavior, mechanical and thermal properties of ternary rubber blend composites prepared by melt blending based on carbon black (CB)-filled natural rubber (NR)/styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) blends, containing a variety of compatibilizers. Various compatibilizers, maleic acid anhydride (MAH), prepared emulsion and adhesion system (HRH) were used. A series of NR/SBR/NBR blends at a 30/30/40 blend ratio reinforced with 45 phr of CB were prepared using the master-batch method. Design/methodology/approach Thermal aging properties of the composites characterized by their aging coefficient and retention in tensile and elongation at break (E.B. %). Thermal degradation of ternary rubber blend composites based on melt blending has been studied using thermogravimetric analysis. Findings The swelling coefficient decreased with increased compatibilizer loading. Results also showed that the tensile strength and E.B. (%) decreased with aging over the entire aging period. Additionally, the addition of compatibilizers into the ternary rubber blend composite had slightly improved the thermal stability. Research limitations/implications Interactions between the different components of blends at the interfaces have a high impact on the interfacial properties of the rubber blend. Practical implications Compatibilizers significantly improve the properties of the resulting composites with the loading of investigated compatibilizers because of the uniform dispersion of CB in the rubber matrix. Social implications Using blends in the rubber industry led to the high-efficiency production of low-cost products. Originality/value The rubber blending has a significant positive effect on a wide range of applications such as structural applications, aerospace, military, packaging, tires and biomedical, so improving the compatibility of blends will make new materials suitable for new applications.

The Study of Recycled Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM-r)/Polypropylene (PP) Polymeric Blends

In this study, recycled ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM-r) were blended with polypropylene (PP) by compounding via heated two roll mills with the various ratio of EPDM-r. Certain blends were included with PP-g-MA as a compatibilizer. In tensile tests, the increasing of EPDM-r content in blends resulted in the reduction of tensile strength and Young’s Modulus but increased elongation at break. Furthermore, the presence of compatibilizer in blends enhanced the tensile properties. It was found all the samples with compatibilizer performs better results in tensile strength, Young’s Modulus, and elongation at break than samples without compatibilizer. On the other hand, the aging affected were studied on compatibilized and uncompatibilized blends. It was found that aging affects the samples by decreasing the tensile strength, Young’s Modulus, and elongation at break. The crosslink density had been found higher in the blends with high EPDM-r content as the EPDM-r had the ability to swell. The morphological study related to the structure with the tensile properties. It was confirmed that the presence of a compatibilizer increased the compatibility between EPDM-r and PP matrix.

Wastes from Agricultural Silage Film Recycling Line as a Potential Polymer Materials.

The recycling of plastics is currently one of the most significant industrial challenges. Due to the enormous amounts of plastic wastes generated by various industry branches, it is essential to look for potential methods for their utilization. In the presented work, we investigated the recycling potential of wastes originated from the agricultural films recycling line. Their structure and properties were analyzed, and they were modified with 2.5 wt % of commercially available compatibilizers. The mechanical and thermal performance of modified wastes were evaluated by tensile tests, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that incorporation of such a small amount of modifiers may overcome the drawbacks caused by the presence of impurities. The incorporation of maleic anhydride-grafted compounds enhanced the tensile strength of wastes by 13–25%. The use of more ductile compatibilizers—ethylene-vinyl acetate and paraffin increased the elongation at break by 55–64%. The presence of compatibilizers also reduced the stiffness of materials resulting from the presence of solid particles. It was particularly emphasized for styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, which caused up to a 20% drop of Young’s modulus. Such effects may facilitate the further applications of analyzed wastes, e.g., in polymer film production. Thermal performance was only slightly affected by compatibilization. It caused a slight reduction in polyethylene melting temperatures (up to 2.8 °C) and crystallinity degree (up to 16%). For more contaminated materials, the addition of compatibilizers caused a minor reduction in the decomposition onset (up to 6 °C). At the same time, for the waste after three washing cycles, thermal stability was improved. Moreover, depending on the desired properties and application, materials do not have to go through the whole recycling line, simplifying the process, reducing energy and water consumption. The presented results indicate that it is possible to efficiently use the materials, which do not have to undergo the whole recycling process. Despite the presence of impurities, they could be applied in the manufacturing of products which do not require exceptional mechanical performance.

The effect of styrene maleic anhydride compatibilizer on the performance of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blends

The effect of styrene maleic anhydride as compatibilizer on the performance of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blends (PC/ABS) have been studied. The blends with varying amounts viz., 40, 50 and 60 wt% of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene have been melt mixed with 5 phb of SMA using twin screw extruder. The blends were characterized for mechanical behaviour interms of tensile properties and impact strength. Structural behaviour of the PC/ABS blends were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The flowability was tested using melt flow index tester. The thermal resistance was tested by carrying out heat deflection temperature test. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and crystalline melting point (Tm) of blends were determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The morphological behaviour of the PC/ABS blends were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. From the results obtained, it was observed that styrene maleic anhydride compatibilized blends exhibits a significant improvement in tensile and impact properties as compared to uncompatibilized polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blends. The results obtained by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the reaction of compatibilizer by the intensity and shifting of peaks in the compatibilized blend compositions. There was an improvement in flowability with increase in polycarbonate percentage and with compatibilizer compare to uncompatibilzed blends. There was an improvement HDT vlaues. The changes in Tg peak position in thermograms indicates that partial miscibility between the blend components. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the molecular level interactions between PC and ABS in presence of compatibilizer.

Considerations about the role of compatibilizer in coir fiber polypropylene composites containing different stabilization systems when submitted to artificial weathering

Polyolefin-lignocellulosic composites have been widely investigated in recent decades. However, the properties analyses have not considered the interactions between compatibilizer and stabilizing agents when such composites are submitted to artificial aging. This investigation aims to evaluate the interaction between two types of light stabilizers and polypropylene grafted with maleic anhydride (compatibilizer) in coir fiber polypropylene composites. In this regard, a systematic study is proposed. Compatibilized and non-compatibilized coir fiber reinforced polypropylene composites (PP/FCo), containing different stabilizing systems based on UV absorber (Hostavin® ARO 8) and hindered amines, HALS (Tinuvin® 791), were prepared in a co-rotating twin-screw and subsequently submitted to ultraviolet B (UVB) and xenon arc accelerated artificial weathering. The action of the stabilizer systems and the influence of artificial weathering exposure were verified by means of mechanical properties, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and colorimetric analysis (CIELAB system). A combination of UV absorber + HALS produced a synergistic effect as to the protection of PP and compatibilized and non-compatibilized coir-fiber reinforced PP, resulting in greater retention in mechanical properties, less incidence of cracks and greater resistance to total color increase (ΔE*) and gloss loss (ΔG*). Moreover, despite the fact that mechanical and color changes analysis did not indicate trapping of HALS and decrease in stabilization efficiency in the presence of compatibilizer, SEM images suggest increased degradation of the compatibilized composite containing HALS stabilizer.

Review on nano‐and microfiller‐based polyamide 6 hybrid composite: Effect on mechanical properties and morphology

AbstractPolyamide 6 (PA6)‐based composites are of evolving interest due to its high strength, wear resistance, and barrier properties. The use of binary composites mostly with nanomaterial and glass fibers has been reviewed and presented in literature. However to obtain a balance of properties like stiffness, toughness, and strength along with cost reduction, ternary composites of PA6 have been designed. To achieve the balance, PA6 blend‐based composites, with combination of microfiller/nanofiller or PA6 with combination micro‐microfiller, PA6 with microfiller/nanofiller and fiber have been designed. The properties of PA6‐based ternary hybrid composites depend on type of dispersed phase used, presence of compatibilizer, type of filler used (nanofiller or microfiller or fiber or hybrid) and combination of fillers used. However, a review in this direction is not available in literature. Here, in this study, an overall understanding of various fillers, dispersed phase, and their combinations can be understood along with the discussion on effect of these on tensile properties and morphology of hybrid composite. In this study, an attempt has been made to review the various fillers and dispersed phase and their combinations which have been used in designing the PA6 hybrid composite with good balance of stiffness, toughness, and strength.