Use of Monomethyl Itaconate Grafted Poly(propylene) (PP) and Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) as Compatibilizers for PP/EPR Blends

Yazdani-Pedram, M; Quijada, R; Lopez-Manchado, MA

Abstract

The use of grafted poly(propylene) (PP) and a random copolymer of ethylene and propylene (EPR) with an itaconic acid derivative, monomethyl itaconate (MMI), as compatibilizer for PP/EPR blends was analyzed. The grafting reaction was performed at 190 °C in a Brabender Plasticorder. 2,5-Dimethyl-2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxy) hexane was the radical initiator for the functionalization of PP; dicumyl peroxide was used as the radical initiator for the modification of EPR. The obtained degree of grafting was 1.5% by weight for PP and 1.2% by weight for EPR. The compatibilizing effect of modified polymers on the processability, morphology, and mechanical and thermal properties of the blends was of interest. Compatibilization substantially improved the toughness and deformation with little effect on the tensile modulus and strength. Moreover, this effect was particularly evident when both polymeric phases were grafted. Regarding compatibilization, the viscosity of the blends increased due to the high interfacial adhesion. Morphological studies showed that the particle size of the rubbery phase was reduced and the dispersion in the matrix improved by compatibilization. The grafted polymers behaved as nucleating agents, accelerating the PP crystallization.

Más información

Título según WOS: Use of monomethyl itaconate grafted poly(propylene) (PP) and ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) as compatibilizers for PP/EPR blends
Título según SCOPUS: Use of Monomethyl Itaconate Grafted Poly(propylene) (PP) and Ethylene Propylene Rubber (EPR) as Compatibilizers for PP/EPR Blends
Título de la Revista: Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
Volumen: 288
Número: 11
Editorial: Wiley-VCH Verlag
Fecha de publicación: 2003
Página de inicio: 875
Página final: 885
Idioma: English
URL: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-0346847503&partnerID=q2rCbXpz
DOI:

10.1002/mame.200300063

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS