Compatibilization of low‐density polyethylene/plasticized starch blends by reactive compounds and electron beam irradiation

Blends based on various compositions of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and plasticized starch (PLST) were prepared by melt extrusion and molding in the form of sheets under hot press. The rheology properties during mixing were studied in terms of torque and temperature against mixing time. The structural properties of LDPE/PLST blends before and after electron beam irradiation was characterized by IR spectroscopy, tensile mechanical testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The torque‐time curves during the mixing process showed that the values of torque in the first region of mixing for pure LDPE or LDPE/PLST blends are higher in the presence of the compatibilizer PEMA than that in the presence of EVA. In addition, the stability of mixing was attained after a short time in the presence of PEMA. The IR spectroscopy suggests that the compatibilization by EVA and PEMA compounds proceeds through the formation of hydrogen bonding during mixing and this compatibility was improved after electron beam irradiation. The stress–strain curves of pure LDPE and its blends with PLST showed the behavior of tough polymers with yielding properties. The SEM micrographs of the fracture surfaces give supports to the effect of EVA and PEMA as compatibilizers and the effect of electron beam irradiation. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

LDPE/starch blends compatibilized with PE-g-MA copolymers

In the present study, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and plasticized starch (PLST) blends, containing different percentages of PLST, were prepared. In these blends, two different polyethylene/maleic anhydride graft (PE-g-MA) copolymers containing 0.4 and 0.8 mol % anhydride groups, respectively, were added as compatibilizers at 10 wt % PLST. The compatibilization reaction was followed by FTIR spectroscopy. The morphology of the blends was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that as the amount of anhydride groups in the copolymers increases a finer dispersion of PLST in the LDPE matrix is achieved. This is reflected in the mechanical properties of the blends and especially in the tensile strength. The blends compatibilized with the PE-g-MA copolymer containing 0.8 mol % anhydride groups have a higher tensile strength, which in all blends, even in those containing 20 and 30 wt % PLST, is similar to that of pure LDPE. The biodegradation of the blends followed the exposure to activated sludge. It was found that the compatibilized blends have only a slightly lower biodegradation rate compared to the uncompatibilized blends. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 70: 1503–1521, 1998     

Development of nanofibrous morphology in LDPE/LLDPE/PP blends and its effect on mechanical properties of blend films

Nanofibrous morphology has been observed in ternary blends of low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and isotactic polypropylene (PP) when these were melt‐extruded via slit die followed by hot stretching. The morphology was dependent on the concentration of the component polymers in ternary blend LDPE/LLDPE/PP. The films were characterized by wide angle X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and testing of mechanical properties. The XRD patterns reveal that the β phase of PP is obtained in the as‐stretched nanofibrillar composites, whose concentration decreases with the increase of LLDPE concentration. The presence of PP nanofibrils shows significant nucleation ability for crystallization of LDPE/LLDPE blend. The SEM observations of etched samples show an isotropic blend of LDPE and LLDPE reinforced with more or less randomly distributed and well‐defined nanofibrils of PP, which were generated in situ. The tensile modulus and strength of LDPE/LLDPE/PP blends were significantly enhanced in the machine direction than in the transverse direction with increasing LLDPE concentration. The ultimate elongation increased with increasing LLDPE concentration, and there was a critical LLDPE concentration above which it increased considerably. There was a dramatic increase in the falling dart impact strength for films obtained by blow extrusion of these blends. These impressive mechanical properties of extruded samples can be explained on the basis of the formation of PP nanofibrils with high aspect ratio (at least 10), which imparted reinforcement to the LDPE/LLDPE blend. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Morphology and Properties of Deoiled Cake (DOC) Isolated Mixed Proteins and Low-Density Polyethylene Blends

Proteins were isolated from deoiled cakes (DOC) of soybean, castor and rapeseed. The isolated proteins were then blended with LDPE in different wt. ratios, using PEG₄₀₀ as a plasticizer. The morphology of the blends was evaluated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Homogeneous blends were obtained and analyzed for various mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength, hardness and % elongation and compared with properties of plastic sheets prepared from mixture of pure proteins. Results revealed that protein composition and amount of LDPE in proteins and LDPE blend, affects the mechanical properties of the plastic compositions considerably.     

Effect of Addition of HDPE and LDPE on Rheological,Mechanical, Elastic and Compatibility Behavior of SBR/NBR Rubber Blend System

The influence of adding low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) to different ratios of styrene butadiene copolymer (SBR) and acrylonitrile butadiene copolymer (NBR) rubber blend has been studied. The experimental methods performed are based on measurements of rheological, mechanical, elastic properties, phase morphology, density, ultrasonic studies, thermal stability and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results showed that rheological and mechanical properties of the blend are improved, especially at SBR/NBR blend (50/50), when incorporated with LDPE. Results indicated also a clear stability of the cure rate index (CRI) of the blend. Morphological structure analysis obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed a reduced domain size for blends containing LDPE. Ultrasonic and density investigations revealed the efficiency of adding LDPE in improving the compatibility behavior of this blend. Results also showed an improvement in elastic properties and thermal stability by adding LDPE. DSC scans of the blends filled with LDPE showed high shift in the glass transition temperature which can be attributed to the increased strength at the interface.     

Characterization of plasticized maize starch/chitosan blends irradiated with an electron beam

Plasticized maize starch/Schiff base modified chitosan (PLST/MCS) blend films were prepared by solution casting and then irradiating to various doses using an electron beam. The effect of electron beam irradiation on the structure–property behavior of each blend was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), mechanical measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PLST/MCS blends loaded with Cu(II) were also investigated using electron spin resonance (ESR) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), in terms of weight loss and rate of decomposition, indicated that the thermal stabilities of the PLST/CS blends were higher than that of pure PLST, particularly at >350 °C, which was thought to be due to a cyclization process upon ammonia removal. Electron beam irradiation slightly affected the thermal stability of the blends up to 50 kGy. The IR spectra indicated that there was a shift in the carbonyl bands upon the chelation of copper ion with the polymer. The IR spectra also exhibited a narrowing in the bands at 3600–3200 cm⁻¹ due to the coordination of the NH₂ and OH groups with copper ions. The ESR results revealed that Cu(II) uptake occurred through coordination with lone pairs of electrons on NH₂ and OH in PLST/CS blends.     

Preparation and properties of molded blends of wheat gluten and cationic water‐borne polyurethanes

Cationic water‐borne polyurethanes (CWPU) were prepared and blended with wheat gluten (WG) in aqueous dispersion. The freeze‐dried blend powders of WG/CWPU were thermally compression‐molded into sheets. The tensile strength of the WG/CWPU blends decreased with increasing CWPU content, showing a relationship between the composition of the sheets and their mechanical properties. FTIR spectra reveal that the free carbonyl in the blend results in a decrease in the hydrogen‐bonding interaction of the WG. SEM images show that the morphology of the cross‐sections of the blends is homogenous. The dynamic thermal behavior of the blends illustrates that the WG is plasticized by CWPU, with the result that the relaxation transition of the WG becomes broader and the temperature transition of WG changes slightly. The water resistance of the WG was also improved by blending it with the CWPU. Biodegradation of the blends in soil resulted in a loss in mass of the samples of more than 60% w/w after burial for 15 days. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

发泡剂BIH40对PP和LDPE化学发泡性能影响的研究

本文以BIH40作为发泡剂,使用注塑方法化学发泡成型制备了PP、LDPE发泡材料,探讨了发泡剂含量对PP和LDPE发泡制品的密度、拉伸强度、缺口冲击强度等力学性能的影响,并用扫描电子显微镜（SEM）观测了断面的泡孔形貌。实验结果表明,随着发泡剂含量的增加,发泡试样的拉伸强度、冲击强度、断裂伸长率和密度等与未发泡试样相比总体呈现下降趋势,LDPE的断裂伸长率在发泡剂含量为1.0%（重量百分比wt.）时较其他发泡组分有所增加,PP的冲击强度在发泡剂含量为0.5%（重量百分比wt.）时与其他发泡组分相比有所提高。综合实验测试结果显示,发泡剂含量在1.0%（重量百分比wt.）时所得到的发泡制品力学性能较好。     

Radiation‐assisted morphology modification of LDPE/TPS blends: A study on starch degradation‐processing‐morphology correlation

Potato starch was radiolytically degraded to different extents by irradiating with Co‐60 gamma radiation in wide dose range. The degraded starch was plasticized using glycerol and water to obtain radiation processed thermoplastic starch (RTPS). Blends of different RTPS and low density polyethylene (LDPE) were prepared by internal melt mixing. Characterization of blends using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, melt flow, contact angle, and soil burial studies indicated changes in the blend morphology and biodegradation behavior with the increase in the dose imparted to the starch fraction. Molecular weight of starch decreased substantially in the dose range of the study. The melt viscosity of LDPE/RTPS blend decreased whereas crystallinity of LDPE phase increased with the incorporation of RTPS. No significant change in the carbonyl index and thermal stability of the blends was observed in the dose range studied; therefore, the observed changes in the physical and thermal properties of the blends were attributed primarily to the kinetic factors affecting crystallization and time‐dependent phase separation process. Biodegradability of blends varied with the radiation dose imparted to starch component of blend, suggesting better encapsulation of RTPS by LDPE chains. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

超临界二氧化碳发泡EPDM/LDPE热塑性弹性体微孔泡沫

本文通过熔融共混制得了EPDM/LDPE热塑性弹性体,压制标准试样,然后使用超临界二氧化碳作为发泡剂在高压反应釜中进行物理发泡。通过万能拉力机测试了弹性体力学性能,用扫描电镜观察了拉伸断面和泡孔的微观结构。结果表明：DCP硫化体系的热塑性弹性体的综合力学性能要优于硫黄硫化体系,随着硫化剂用量的增多,拉伸强度和撕裂强度有一个最大值,硬度上升;橡塑比在4:6时,力学性能达到最佳,最大拉伸强度为7.5MPa,最大撕裂强度为27.6MPa。扫描电镜观察其拉伸断面形貌,表明EPDM橡胶相与LDPE塑料相呈现“海-岛”两相微观结构;泡孔大小均匀性较好,成功制备了微米级微孔泡沫且泡孔大小分布均匀。     

Effects of electron beam irradiation on the structure–property behavior of blends based on low density polyethylene and styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene-block copolymers

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) blends with different additives were exposed to various doses of electron beam irradiation. The additives used were styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene-block copolymers (SEBS), styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene-block copolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) and mineral compounds. The structure–property behavior of electron beam irradiated blends was characterized in terms of mechanical, thermal, and electrical resistivity properties. The results indicated that the unirradiated LDPE blends with the different compositions showed improved mechanical properties, thermal and volume resistivity properties than pure LDPE. However, the improvement in properties of unirradiated blends by using SEBS-g-MA was higher than using SEBS copolymer. Further improvement in the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of the LDPE blends was achieved after electron beam irradiation. The limited oxygen index (LOI) data revealed that the LDPE/SEBS-g-MA/ATH blend was changed from combustible to self-extinguishing material after electron beam irradiation to a dose of 100 kGy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Improving viscoelasticity and rebound resilience of crosslinked low‐density polyethylene foam by blending with ethylene vinyl acetate and polyethylene‐octene elastomer

To obtain high‐rebound resilience of crosslinking low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) foam and decrease the foam density at the same content of foaming agent, the melt viscoelasticity of LDPE with different compositions (ethylene vinyl acetate [EVA], polyethylene‐octene elastomer, and crosslinking agent) was investigated by dynamic rheology test. Then, LDPE/EVA/(polyethylene‐octene elastomer) foams with different composition ratios were produced by a continuous foaming process and investigated by the rebound resilience test. The results show that the melt viscoelasticity behavior of LDPE and its blends in the molten state possessed more melt elasticity behavior after the crosslinking was introduced. Meanwhile, the rebound resilience of LDPE foam was increased 54% at the lower foam density (0.031 g/cm³). It could meet the requirements of sports mats for high‐rebound resilience (>50%) and decrease the material cost when EVA was introduced into the foaming system. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:61–71, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Morphology and tensile properties of crosslinked nanocomposite foams of low‐density polyethylene and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) blends

This paper studies the morphology and tensile properties of nanocomposite foams of blends of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA). Preparations of LDPE/EVA nanocomposites were conducted in an internal mixer, and then samples were foamed via a batch foaming method. Morphology of the nanocomposite blends and nanocomposite foams was studied by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Morphological observations showed that nanoparticle dispersion in the polymeric matrix was affected by the blend ratio in a way such that EVA‐rich samples had a better dispersion of nanoclay than LDPE‐rich ones. In addition, the tensile properties of the nanocomposite foams were related to different variables such as blend ratio, clay content, and foam density. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Degradation behavior of poly (caprolactone)–poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymer/low–density polyethylene blends

Blends of poly(carprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) block polymer (PCE) with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were prepared by extrusion followed by compression molding into thin film specimens. The morphology, thermal properties, degradation, and mechanical behavior of the blends were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), water immersion, static tensile testing, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The LDPE/PCE blends were immiscible for all chemical compositions. A LDPE/PCE (75/25 wt%) blend exhibited small reductions in weight and tensile strength after immersion in a buffer solution (pH = 5.0) at 50°C for extended periods of time. However, grafting maleic anhydride onto the LDPE/PCE blends improved the compatibility between the LDPE and PCE phases. Consequently, a 75/25 wt% blend of maleated LDPE/PCE exhibited significant losses in weight and tensile strength after immersion in the buffer solution. For comparison, blends of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) with LDPE were fabricated by similar techniques. The effect of compatibilizer on the degradation of LDPE/PCE and LDPE/PCL is discussed.     

Rheological and mechanical properties in polyethylene blends

Melt rheology and mechanical properties in linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/low density polyethylene (LDPE), LLDPE/high density polyethylene (HDPE), and HDPE/LDPE blends were investigated. All three blends were miscible in the melt, but the LLDPE/LDPE and HDPE/LDPE blends exibiled two crystallization and melting temperatures, indicating that those blends phase separated upon cooling from the melt. The melt strength of the blends increased with increasing molecular weight of the LDPE that was used. The mechanical properties of the LLDPE/LDPE blend were higher than claculated from a simple rule of mixtures, whiele those of the LLDPE/HDPE blend conformed to the rule of mixtures, but the properties of HDPE/LDPE were less than the rule of mixtures prediction.     

Characterization of LDPE and LDPE/EVA blends crosslinked by electron beam irradiation and foamed with chemical foaming agent

In this work, low density polyethylene and its blend with poly (ethylene vinyl acetate) (LDPE/EVA) (80/20) were mixed with different concentration of Azodicarbonamide (ACA) as a foaming agent. The specimens were crosslinked by electron beam irradiation in presence of 1,6-Hexandiol diacrylate (HDDA). The foam structure was obtained by heating the crosslinked sheets at 225 °C. The effect of ACA content and irradiation dose on the gel percent, tensile strength, cell density, and thermal stabilities was investigated. The results showed clearly that the increasing of ACA content reduces the stress and strain at break and increase the gel content. On the other hand, the foaming degree increases with increasing the ACA content and decreases with increasing irradiation dose.     

Development of polybutadiene (BR)–polyethylene (LDPE) blend based microcellular soles for low‐temperature applications

Microcellular (MC) soles based on polybutadiene (BR) and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) blends for low‐temperature applications were developed. A part of BR in BR–LDPE blend was replaced by natural rubber (NR) for property improvement. The BR–NR–LDPE blend‐based MC sole shows good technical properties. Sulphur curing and DCP curing were tried in BR–LDPE and NR–BR–LDPE blends. Study shows that sulphur‐cured MC sheets possess better technical properties than DCP‐cured MC sheets. 90/10 BR–LDPE and 60/30/10 BR–NR–LDPE blend combinations are found to be suitable for low‐temperature applications. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 277–281, 2000     

Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation,EPDM and Azodicarbonamide on the Foam Properties of LDPE Sheet

The effect of electron beam irradiation, EPDM blending, and Azodicarbonamide (ACA) concentration on the foaming properties of LDPE sheet was investigated. The studied properties are foaming degree, cell densities, mechanical properties and thermal decomposition properties. The data showed that the increasing of foaming agent (ACA) concentration reduces the mechanical properties and increases the gel content. Also, electron beam irradiation has a clear effect on increasing the cell density, mechanical properties gel content and thermal properties of irradiated samples when compared with unirradiated samples. EPDM blending with LDPE at a concentration of 20% reduces the doses required to obtain the foaming degree (71.4%) from 50 kGy in LDPE to 5 kGy in LDPE/EPDM (80/20%). This effect may be attributed to enhancement of radiation cross-linking for LDPE by blending with the amorphous polymer (EPDM).     

Study on compatibilization-crosslinking synergism in PVC/LDPE blends

Influences of nitrile rubber (NBR, acrylonitrile content 33.5 – 36.5 wt.-%) on the structure and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/low density polyethylene (LDPE) blends and its synergism with crosslinking agent have been studied. The addition of NBR to the blend is accompanied by a decrease in domain size and improvements in mechanical properties of the blend. When dicumyl peroxide (DCP) is added to the blend together with NBR, good synergism is caused and mechanical properties will improve dramatically. It is concluded that NBR can promote the phase dispersion of PVC and LDPE and their interfacial adhesion. Then, the probability of DCP existing at the interface will increase and more co-crosslinked products will form. Therefore, compatibilization and crosslinking are both exerted sufficiently.     

LLDPE/LDPE blends. I. Rheological,thermal, and mechanical properties

Structure and mechanical properties were studied for the binary blends of a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) (ethylene‐1‐hexene copolymer; density = 900 kg m⁻³) with narrow short chain branching distribution and a low density polyethylene (LDPE) which is characterized by the long chain branches. It was found by the rheological measurements that the LLDPE and the LDPE are miscible in the molten state. The steady‐state rheological properties of the blends can be predicted using oscillatory shear moduli. Furthermore, the crystallization temperature of LDPE is higher than that of the LLDPE and is found to act as a nucleating agent for the crystallization of the LLDPE. Consequently, the melting temperature, degree of crystallinity, and hardness of the blend increase rapidly with increases in the LDPE content in the blend, even though the amount of the LDPE in the blend is small. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 3153–3159, 1999