Structural and rheological investigation of interphase in polyethylene/polyamide/nanoclay ternary blends

This study aims at investigating and characterizing the interphase in Polyethylene (PE)/Polyamide (PA) blends with nodular morphology, filled with organically modified Montmorillonite (C30B), using structural and rheological experimental techniques. PE/PA/C30B blends have been prepared by simultaneous mixing at a dispersed phase fraction (PE or PA) of 20% and a clay fraction ranging from 1 to 6%. Structural properties of the interphase have been investigated using XRD combined with TEM micrographs. The presence of numerous interphase defects is evidenced, and the effect of interphase disorder is discussed. Linear viscoelastic properties show the contribution of the interphase in PE matrix ternary blends at all clay fractions, whereas interphase effects are masked by the contribution of dispersed nanoclay particles in PA matrix ternary blends.     

Enhancing the mechanical,morphological, and rheological behavior of polyethylene/polypropylene blends with maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene

This is the first study to showcase the use of maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene (MAPE) to compatibilize polyethylene (PE)-rich blends, where polypropylene (PP) represents the minor phase. By first mixing PP with MAPE, and then adding PE, MAPE was assumed to be localized at the PE/PP interface. Microscopy analysis confirmed that MAPE led to a remarkably fine PE/PP/MAPE morphology, with PP being uniformly dispersed into PE and having an average diameter 267% smaller than that in the PE/PP blend. According to mechanical and rheological tests, this translated into a 14%, 20%, and 14% enhancement of tensile strength, tensile modulus, and tensile toughness, respectively, as well as a 10% and 20% drop in PE/PP viscosity mismatch and interfacial tension, respectively. Finally, PE/PP/MAPE tensile toughness and elongation at break were greater than those of virgin PP, while PE/PP/MAPE strength and stiffness were similar to the ones of neat PP. Therefore, this study provides industries with the possibility to utilize products rich in PE instead of those made of more expensive PP, while still keeping the level of performance high; hence, creating a paradigm shift in the development of advanced lightweight polyolefin materials with tuned functionalities.     

Preparation,structural development,and mechanical properties of microfibrillar composite materials based on polyethylene/polyamide 6 oriented blends

The preparation of microfibrillar composites (MFCs) based on oriented blends of polyamide 6 (PA6) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) is described. By means of conventional processing techniques, the PA6 phase was transformed in situ into fibrils with diameters in the upper nanometer range embedded in an isotropic HDPE matrix. Three different composite materials were prepared through the variation of the HDPE/PA6 ratio with and without a compatibilizer: MFCs reinforced by long PA6 fibrils arranged as a unidirectional ply; MFCs containing middle‐length, randomly distributed reinforcing PA6 bristles; and a nonoriented PA6‐reinforced material in which the PA6 phase was globular. The evolution of the morphology in the reinforcing phase (e.g., its visible diameter, length, and aspect ratio) was followed during the various processing stages as a function of the blend composition by means of scanning electron microscopy. Synchrotron X‐ray scattering was used to characterize selected unidirectional ply composites. The presence of transcrystalline HDPE was demonstrated in the shell of the reinforcing PA6 fibrils of the final MFCs. The impact of the compatibilizer content on the average diameter and length of the fibrils was assessed. The influence of the reinforcing phase on the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the various composites was also evaluated. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Effects of composition of modified polyamide on barrier properties of polyethylene/modified polyamide blends

A systematic study on the effects of types and contents of compatibilizer precursors (CPs) on degrees of crystallinity (W_c), melt shear viscosities (η_s), and permeation barrier properties of modified polyamides (MPAs) and on their corresponding morphology and barrier properties of bottles blow-molded from polyethylene (PE)/MPA blends is reported. Two alkylcarboxyl-substituted polyolefins were selected as CPs to modify PA and to improve its permeation resistance to xylene by the “reactive extrusion” process. The barrier improvements of MPAs prepared in this study depend significantly on the type and content of CP present in the MPA. A maximum improvement in barrier properties of each MPA series samples were found as the contents of CP reached an “optimum” value. On the other hand, it is interesting to note that bottles blow-molded from PE/MPA series samples exhibited better barrier properties because the MPAs used were associated with better permeation resistance to xylene. The melt shear viscosities of MPAs were found to depend on the type of CP used and increase with increasing CP contents. In contrast, the W_c of MPAs decreased with increasing CP contents. Further analysis of the fracture surfaces of bottles blow-molded from PE/MPA blends also indicated that the morphology of MPA laminas depended on the type of CP present in the MPA, and these MPA laminar structures became clearer as the contents of CPs increased. Possible mechanisms accounting for the interesting behaviors described above are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 64: 1531–1540, 1997     

Permeation mechanisms of xylene in blow-molded bottles of pure polyethylene,polyethylene/polyamide and polyethylene/ modified polyamide blends

The hydrocarbon permeation mechanisms of polyethylene/ modified polyamide (PE/ MPA). PE/PA blends and pure PE, were investigated over a range of testing temperatures. In addition to the permeation resistance to xylene, the weight of xylene absorbed per gram of dry polymers (Sx) and the diffusion coefficient (D) of xylene in these bottles were determined. At each fixed testing temperature, the steady permeation rates (Ps) and D of xylene in PE/MPA bottles is significantly lower than those of pure PE bottles, and that of PE/PA bottles is slightly lower. This significantly improved permeation resistance of PE/MPA to xylene at each testing temperature is mainly attributed to the significantly reduced diffusion coefficient of xylene in PE/ MPA bottles, but not due to the slight change in the amount of xylene absorbed in these three bottles. The temperature dependence of steady permeation rates and diffusion coefficient of xylene in each bottle is very similar, and, in fact, some clear transition points were found on the plots of Ps and D versus testing temperatures for PE. PE/PA and PE/MPA bottles. These interesting behaviors along with the temperature dependence of Sx in each bottle were discussed and correlated with the free volume, molecular relaxation motions of these polymers and the vapor pressure of xylene at varying testing temperatures.     

Effects of processing conditions on the barrier properties of polyethylene (PE)/modified polyamide (MPA) and modified polyethylene (MPE)/polyamide (PA) blends

Different modified polyamide (MPA) and modified polyethylene (MPE) resins were prepared by reactive extrusion of different contents of a compatibilizer precursor (CP) with either polyamide (PA) or polyethylene (PE). The MPE and MPA resins were then blow‐molded with designed amounts of PA or PE resins to prepare four different sets of MPE/PA and PE/MPA bottles with the same CP, PA, and PE compositions. Somewhat surprisingly, the xylene permeation resistance of the MPE bottles is worse than that of the base PE bottle and decreases consistently as MPE contains more CP. In contrast, the MPE/PA and PE/MPA bottles exhibit much better xylene permeation resistance than that of the base PE bottle, wherein the PE/MPA bottles show significantly better permeation resistance than that of the corresponding MPE/PA bottles prepared at the same blow‐molding conditions. On the other hand, it is worth noting that the xylene permeation rate of each of the MPE/PA and PE/MPA bottles prepared at a fixed extrusion temperature reaches a minimum when prepared with an optimum screw speed near 400 rpm. Similarly, at a fixed screw speed, the highest permeation resistance of each PE/MPA bottle is always obtained when prepared at an optimum extrusion temperature of about 230^oC. However, the xylene permeation resistance of each MPE/PA bottle improves consistently when prepared at the higher extrusion temperatures used in this study. These interesting phenomena were investigated in terms of the morphology, thermal analysis of the PE/MPA and MPE/PA blends, the compatibility between PE (or MPE) and MPA (or PA), and the viscosity ratios of MPA (or PA) to PE (or MPE) during the blow‐molding process. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 1997–2008, 2000     

The effect of processing conditions on the rheological properties of blends of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene with high‐density polyethylene

Blends of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) with small amounts of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) were prepared by melt mixing in a twin‐screw microcompounder. Two types of UHMWPE differing in their states of chain entanglement were used. The blend composition, time of mixing, and rotation speed of the screws were varied. Rheological properties of the blends were studied in oscillatory shear and uniaxial elongational tests. Reduction in phase angle measured in dynamic shear rheology and increase in extensional strain hardening were found to be useful indicators for quantifying the extent of mixing of the two components. Although the disentangled UHMWPE showed reasonable mixing with HDPE during typical residence times of melt compounding operations, the entangled UHMWPE remained essentially undissolved. The extent of mixing increased with mixing time and screw speed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:821–829, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

氯化聚乙烯用量对三元乙丙橡胶/尼龙共混胶性能的影响

研究了增容剂氯化聚乙烯（CPE）的用量对三元乙丙橡胶/尼龙（EPDM/PA）硫化胶热空气老化前后和用非极性油处理后力学性能及耐磨性能、耐油性能的影响。结果表明,随着CPE用量的增大,EPDM/PA硫化胶热空气老化后拉伸强度和100%定伸应力呈上升趋势,扯断伸长率和永久变形均缓慢下降,邵尔A硬度保持不变。用非极性油处理后EPDM/PA硫化胶的拉伸强度和扯断伸长率随CPE用量的增大呈上升趋势,100%定伸应力基本不变。CPE的加入对硫化胶的拉伸强度、撕裂强度、扯断伸长率等性能有一定的提高,说明EPDM和PA两相的相容性改善,在用量为6份时硫化胶的力学性能较佳。随着CPE用量的增大,DIN磨耗呈下降趋势,耐磨性能提高;质量变化率和体积变化率略有降低,耐油性能有所提高。     

Influence of compatibilizer on mechanical,morphological and rheological properties of PP/ABS blends

The objective of this work was to study the compatibilizer effect on polypropylene (PP) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blends. The blends were coextruded and injection molded in various ratios of ABS with and without compatibilizers. Universal testing machine was employed to analyze the tensile properties of basic PP/ABS binary blends. From the mechanical testing, the impact and tensile properties of PP/ABS blend were optimized at 80/20 weight ratio. Various compatibilizers such as PP-g-MAH, SEBS-g-MAH and ethylene α-olefin copolymer were used and their comparative performance on binary blend was enumerated. Hybrid compatibilization effect was also studied and reported. However, the addition of compatibilizers showed the maximum increase in impact strength attributed to rubber toughening effect of ABS. The effect of compatibilizers on morphological properties was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM micrographs depicted the more efficient dispersion of ABS particles in PP matrix with the addition of compatibilizers. Further, interparticle distance analysis was carried out to evaluate the rubber toughening effect. The ABS droplet size in compatibilized PP/ABS blend was brought to minimum of 3.2 μm from 9.9 μm with the addition of compatibilizers. The melt rheology of PP/ABS blend systems was investigated through parallel plate arrangement in frequency sweep. Linear viscoelastic properties like storage (G′) and loss (G″) modulus and complex viscosity (η*) have been reported with reference to the virgin materials. It is understood that the combination of compatibilizers (hybrid compatibilizer) had a considerable effect on the overall blend properties.     

Influence of processing conditions on the morphological and mechanical properties of compatibilized PP/LCP blends

The main aim of this work is to study the influence of the application of different processing conditions on the morphological and mechanical properties of thermoplastic/LCP blends, in which the viscosity ratios are inferior to unity and decrease with increasing temperature. The way the microstructure evolves along the extruder determines the final morphology and thus, the mechanical performance of the systems. In the present case, the mechanical properties are related with the degree of fibrillation in the final composites. The best degree of fibrillation was obtained for low screw speeds and temperatures and for intermediate outputs. The use of high screw speeds and processing temperatures results in a decrease of the viscosity ratio, in the former case via an increase in the viscous dissipation, at the regions of higher shear rates (kneading‐elements). The application of a lower processing temperature is advantageous for deformation, break‐up, and fibrillar formation because of the higher viscosity ratios and higher shear stresses involved. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Relationship between processing history and rheological properties during postprocessing annealing for anomalous polyethylene blends

The effect of applied processing history and postprocessing annealing treatment on the rheological properties has been studied for a binary blend composed of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and low‐density polyethylene produced by radical polymerization (LDPE). It has been found that intensive processing in an internal mixer depresses oscillatory modulus, especially storage modulus, at lower frequency region for LDPE and the blends with LLDPE, whereas the rheological properties of LLDPE are independent of both processing and annealing procedures. Further, the depression of the modulus is found to be more prominent for the blends with 20–40 wt % of LLDPE than that for the pure LDPE, although the phenomenon is ascribed to conformation change of long‐chain branches. Moreover, the blends show slower recovery of the modulus during the postprocessing annealing than do LDPE. The results demonstrate that processing and mixing conditions have to be considered seriously for LDPE/LLDPE blends showing enhanced melt elasticity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 1078–1083, 2006     

White spirit permeation resistance of polyethylene,polyethylene/modified polyamide,and polyethylene/blends of modified polyamide and ethylene vinyl alcohol bottles

The main objective of this study was to investigate the barrier properties of polyethylene (PE), PE/modified polyamide (MPA), and PE/blends of modified polyamide and ethylene vinyl alcohol (MPAEVOH) bottles against white spirit permeation. After MPAEVOH barrier resins were blended with PE, the resistance of the PE/MPAEVOH bottles against white spirit permeation was significantly improved compared to the PE bottle. Surprisingly, with proper compositions of MPAEVOH resins, the white spirit permeation resistance of PE/MPAEVOH bottles at 40°C improved by more than 3000 times compared to the PE bottle, wherein the best permeation resistance (4200 times barrier improvement) of the PE/MPAEVOH bottles was found as the weight ratio of MPA : EVOH reached 4:1. These interesting permeation properties of PE/MPAEVOH bottles were investigated in terms of the barrier and free‐volume properties of the base resins and their corresponding morphologies in blow‐molded bottles. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 45:25–32, 2005. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Influence of chemical and mechanical compatibilization on structure and properties of polyethylene/polyamide blends

LDPE/PA6 binary blends and LDPE/PA6/compatibilizer ternary blends were prepared in a Brabender extruder, equipped with a prototype static mixer. Compatibility of the components was estimated by rheological properties (viscosity and a melt flow index), and observations of the structure were made with the help of scanning electron microscopy and tensile strength. It was found that the blends' structure and properties are dependent on the recipe content of the polymer blends and the conditions of their manufacturing. Uniformity of the blends of the thermodynamically immiscible polymers was improved by using a prototype static mixer giving mechanical compatibilization and a compatibilizer giving chemical compatibilization. LDPE grafted with a maleic anhydride (LDPE-g-MAH) was used as a compatibilizer. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 719–727, 1998     

Effect of processing conditions and properties of PP/nylon 6 blends

Polypropylene (PP) and nylon 6 were melt blended in a twin screw extruder at different screw speeds using malefic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) as a compatibilizer. Different compositions were injection moulded and the mechanical properties, rheological behaviour and morphology of the resulting blends were studied. The impact strength and tensile strength of PP increased due to the addition of nylon 6 and MA-g-PP acted as a compatibilizer. Mechanical data suggested that blending at higher shear rates-gave better properties. An amount of compatibilizer at the 3 parts level offered optimum properties.     

Effects of polyethylenes on the morphology,barrier, and impact properties of polyethylene/modified polyamide blends

An investigation of the influence of the melt shear viscosities of polyethylenes (PE) on the morphology, barrier, and impact properties of polyethylene/modified polyamide PE/MPA bottles is reported. The melt shear viscosities of polyethylenes exhibited a significant influence on the deformation and morphology of MPAs during the blow molding of polyethylene/modified polyamide (PE/MPA) blends. Some obscure MPA laminars were observed in PE/MPA bottles as the value of melt shear viscosity ratio of MPA to PE (VR) deviated significantly from the “optimum” range. In contrast, clear and elongated laminar structures of MPAs were found as the value of VR reached the “optimum” range. Similarly, the total impact energies (Ets) and permeation barrier properties of PE/MPA samples improved with the value of VR until it reached the “optimum” range, after which value Ets and permeation barrier properties of PE/MPA samples reduced significantly with further increasing VR. Possible mechanisms accounting for these interesting behaviors are presented in this study.     

Characterization and properties of polyphthalamide/polyamide blends and polyphthalamide/polyamide/polyolefin blends

Polyphthalamide(PPA)/polyamide(PA) blends were analyzed to determine the effect of PA addition to PPA on melting point, glass transition temperature, dynamic modulus, and heat distortion temperature. Results indicate that the choice of PPA and the choice of PA for the blend systems affects not only the above properties but also the miscibility of the blend systems. In general, PA addition to PPA lowers the melting point and glass transition, which potentially makes these blend materials easier to process. Also, the PPA/PA blends were observed to have dynamic modulus curves with transitions shifted to lower temperatures and crystalline plateaus shifted to lower modulus. PPA/PA/polyolefin(PP) systems were investigated to determine if a useful balance of properties could be obtained, even though the blend components would have to be processed at unusually high processing temperatures (in excess of 320°C). Morphological characterization indicates that small dispersed domains of PP are obtained. The modifiers utilized in these systems were either found at the interface of the PP domain or dispersed within the PP domain. The properties of PPA/PA/PP blends indicates that these systems are ductile and have a good balance of strength, stiffness, impact, and thermal performance.     

Effects of compatibilizer precursors on the barrier properties and morphology of polyethylene/polyamide blends

Summary A systematic investigation on the effects of type of compatibilizer precursors (CP) upon the barrier properties and morphology of PE/PA blends was reported. Three alkyl carboxyl-substituted polyolefins were selected to modify PA in a twin screw extruder by reactive extrusion process. The barrier property of the modified PA (MPA) was better than pure PA, and the amount of barrier improvement of the blend of PE and MPA dependended significantly on the barrier property of the MPA prepared. The extent of mixing PE and MPA before blow-molding has a significant effect on its corresponding barrier properties. Further analysis of the fracture surfaces indicated that a more demarcated laminar structure of MPA dispersed in PE matrix is essential for better barrier properties of PE/MPA blends. It is not completely clear how the type of CP added affects the barrier properties of MPAs. However, it is suggested that long PA sequence with shorter grafted CP chain and high normalized grafting efficiency of MPA are essential for preparing a clear laminar structure of MPA, and a good barrier properties of PE/MPA blends.     

Morphology and rheological properties of polypropylene-linear low density polyethylene blends

The dynamic shear viscosity and the morphology of polypropylene homopolymer and copolymer blended with linear low density polyethylene are studied. A maximum in the dynamic shear viscosity vs. blend composition is reported for the polypropylene copolymer, linear low density polyethylene system. The increasing dynamic shear viscosity is in accordance with the occurrence of a morphology of polyethylene inclusions in rubber surrounded by a polypropylene matrix. Comparing calculations of the dynamic shear viscosities—based on a shell model with interlayer—and experimental results supports this view.     

Rheological,thermal and morphological properties of polyethylene terephthalate/polyamide 6/rice husk ash composites

This work deals with the rheological, morphological, and thermal properties of composites having poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyamide-6 (PA6), and their blends as matrices, and rice husk ash (RHA) as a filler. The study determines the effect of composition on the change in viscosity and rate of degradation during processing in a torque rheometer. Our data indicates that thermal stability and degradation during processing depend on matrix composition and filler concentration. SEM micrographs show both partial adhesion of the filler to the matrices and filler pullout. Optical microscopy shows particle agglomeration and that agglomerate size increased with filler content. FTIR investigates the shifting of absorption bands of PET/PA6 composite after the addition of RHA and attributes the selective dispersion of RHA to the formation of hydrogen bonds. Our data supports the idea that filler employed here is an option to develop polymer composites with improved properties.     

Thermoplastic vulcanizates based on maleated natural rubber/polypropylene blends: Effect of blend ratios on rheological,mechanical, and morphological properties

Maleated natural rubber (MNR) was prepared and used to formulate thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on various MNR/PP blends. The influence of mixing methods on the TPVs properties was first studied. We found that mixing all ingredients in an internal mixer provided the TPVs with better mechanical properties. The final mixing torque, shear stress, and shear viscosity of the TPVs prepared with various blend ratios of MNR/PP increased with increasing levels of MNR in the blends. This may be attributed to higher shear viscosity of the pure MNR than that of the pure PP. Furthermore, as evidenced in SEM micrographs, the TPVs are two phase morphologies with dispersed small vulcanized rubber domains in the PP matrix. Therefore, the higher content of PP caused the more molten continuous phase of the flow during mixing and rheological characterization. Tensile strength and hardness of the TPVs increased with increasing levels of PP, while the elongation at break decreased. Furthermore, the elastomeric properties, in terms of tension set, increased with increasing levels of MNR in the blends. This may be attributed to decreasing trends in the size of vulcanized rubber particles dispersed in the PP matrix with an increasing concentration of MNR. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 46:594–600, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers.