Morphological and mechanical properties of polypropylene [PP]/poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) [EVA] blends. I. Homopolymer PP/EVA systems

Morphological and mechanical properties of polypropylene PP]/poly(ethylene vinyl acetate) EVA] blends have been studied. Infrared results using thin films first indicated a transition toward compatibility between both components at concentrations above 40% EVA. The transition was verified with different experimental techniques and it was associated to morphological changes and mechanical properties. The PP/EVA blends were mechanically evaluated in terms of impact and tensile strength to determine the influence of blending on the performance properties of these materials. Agreement was found between the transition and the enhancement of both elongation at break and impact strength.