Mechanical Properties of Impact i-PP/CSM Rubber Blends

ABSTRACT

The impact strength and the tensile behavior of an impact grade of isotactic polypropylene (impact i-pp)/chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM) rubber blends are studied at the CSM rubber concentrations 0 to 23.4 vol%. The impact strength, which increased with CSM rubber concentration, has been analyzed on the basis of the interphase adhesion and crazing mechanisms. Tensile modulus and strength decreased whereas breaking elongation increased with increase in CSM rubber content. Predictive models have been used to explain the tensile modulus and strength properties. Scanning electron microscopy has been employed to study the phase structure.

Keywords:

• impact i-PP/CSM rubber blends
• interphase adhesion
• stress concentration
• domain size
• crazing

Notes

Due to data scatter, the mean value was estimated excluding some data points, e.g., for K at φ_d = 0.02; for α at φ_d = 0.02 and 0.04.