Compatibilization Effects of PE-g-MA on Mechanical, Thermal and Swelling Properties of High Density Polyethylene/Natural Rubber/Thermoplastic Tapioca Starch Blends

Abstract

Effect of polyethylene grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) on mechanical, thermal and swelling characteristic of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/natural rubber (NR)/thermoplastic tapioca starch (TPS) blends were studied. The measurements from differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), proved the effectiveness of PE-g-MA as compatibilizer in improving the miscibility between HDPE/NR – TPS blends. A decrement in crystallinity index was found after adding PE-g-MA. It is due to restriction in mobility of the HDPE chains. In the presence of PE-g-MA, the blends have better thermal stability. On top of that, the storage modulus which is reflected to the blend stiffness also increased as indicated the improvement in HDPE/NR – TPS interaction.

Keywords:

• HDPE/NR/TPS
• PE-g-MA
• Thermal properties
• Water absorption

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors would like to thank Universiti Sains Malaysia for the financial support provided and for the supply of raw materials towards completion of this project.