Abstract
The compatibility and crystallization behavior of LLDPE blended with the three different molecular weights of NR were studied. The obtained single derivative decomposition peak from TGA measurements for LLDPE blended with the lowest molecular-weight natural rubber clarified the improved compatibility between LLDPE and NR. The reduction of the crystallinity and the change of α-relaxation temperature of LLDPE in the blend were significant. It is interesting that the mechanical properties including the elongation at break and the impact strength of LLDPE were found to be enhanced by adding this low molecular-weight NR without using a compatibilizer.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors are thankful to the Commission on Higher Education (CHE-PhD-THA-INVD), Ministry of Education, Thailand, for funding the research finance and scholarship to Mr. Songkot Utara under the Strategic Scholarships for Frontier Research Network for the Ph.D. Program-Thai Doctoral Degree.
Notes
a Melt flow index (150°C, 2.16 kg).
b ML (1 + 4) at 100°C.