Effect of PE-g-MA-Compatibilizer on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties of 70/30 HDPE/ENR Blends

Abstract

The effects of PE-g-MA as a compatibilizer in binary blends of 70/30 high-density polyethylene/epoxidized natural rubber (HDPE/ENR) have been investigated by means of mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The special emphasis was given to the role of PE-g-MA in inducing interactions between HDPE and ENR. It has been observed that increasing the amount of PE-g-MA in the blend increases the tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength. It is believed that the degree of cross-link increased, which led to improve the interaction between the HDPE and ENR. The optimum stress values are shown in the blend containing 6% PE-g-MA. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the samples also indicated that the addition of compatibilizer decreases the domain size of the dispersed phase. Well-dispersed plastic particles in a rubber matrix were strongly indicated in these samples. The results obtained reveal that the addition of PE-g-MA in HDPE/ENR blend led to an increase in the homogeneity of the blends.

Keywords:

• Compatibilizer
• Epoxidized natural rubber
• Polyethylene
• Polymer blend

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Authors would like to acknowledge the financial support provided by Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) under IRPA Grant No. 09-02-02-0092-EA237 and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).