Enhancing the mechanical, morphological, and rheological behavior of polyethylene/polypropylene blends with maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene. Issue 10 (9th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Graziano, Antimo; Titton Dias, Otavio Augusto; Sena Maia, Bruno; Li, Jinlei
• Is Part Of: Polymer engineering & science. Volume 61:Issue 10(2021)
• Page Start: 2487
• Page End: 2495
• Publication Date: 2021-08-09
• Subjects: blends -- compatibilization -- mechanical properties -- morphology -- rheology; Polymer engineering -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/pen.25775
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3888

Abstract

Abstract: This is the first study to showcase the use of maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene (MAPE) to compatibilize polyethylene (PE)‐rich blends, where polypropylene (PP) represents the minor phase. By first mixing PP with MAPE, and then adding PE, MAPE was assumed to be localized at the PE/PP interface. Microscopy analysis confirmed that MAPE led to a remarkably fine PE/PP/MAPE morphology, with PP being uniformly dispersed into PE and having an average diameter 267% smaller than that in the PE/PP blend. According to mechanical and rheological tests, this translated into a 14%, 20%, and 14% enhancement of tensile strength, tensile modulus, and tensile toughness, respectively, as well as a 10% and 20% drop in PE/PP viscosity mismatch and interfacial tension, respectively. Finally, PE/PP/MAPE tensile toughness and elongation at break were greater than those of virgin PP, while PE/PP/MAPE strength and stiffness were similar to the ones of neat PP. Therefore, this study provides industries with the possibility to utilize products rich in PE instead of those made of more expensive PP, while still keeping the level of performance high; hence, creating a paradigm shift in the development of advanced lightweight polyolefin materials with tuned functionalities. Abstract : Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are mixed, and a compatibilizer, maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene (MAPE), is added to make the two polymers more compatible. Results show increased miscibility between PE and PP, and the obtained product has great strength, stiffness, and toughness. This leads to its potential use in industrial applications as an advanced lightweight polyolefin material with tuned functionalities.