Blends of PVC and epoxidized liquid natural rubber: Studies on impact modification

Liquid natural rubber of different molecular masses L‐LNR, and H‐LNR were subjected to varying degree of epoxidation (L‐ELNR‐10, L‐ELNR‐20, L‐ELNR‐30, L‐ELNR‐40, L‐ELNR‐50, H‐LNR‐20, and H‐LNR‐50) and the products were incorporated into PVC at various compositions by the solution blending method. These blend systems were subjected to tensile testing, tensile impact measurements, and SEM studies. It was observed that blends with L‐ELNR‐20 showed highest impact strength modification, followed by L‐ELNR‐10 and L‐ELNR‐30. High impact properties showed by these blends are attributed to the optimum level of compatibility existing between the blend components. Tensile impact fracture studies revealed that the failure pattern for this blend system is intermediate between the brittle fracture of rigid PVC and ductile fracture of PVC/L‐ELNR‐50 samples. Blends up to 30 mol % of epoxidation showed partially compatible heterogeneous nature exhibiting domain morphology. Blends of liquid rubber with higher degree of epoxidation showed deterioration in tensile strength, modulus, yield strength, and tensile impact strength due to plasticization of PVC caused by the higher polar interaction between PVC chains and the oxirane rings. Effect of ELNR molecular weight was studied and it is found that the impact modification is higher for the L‐ELNR blends compared to the H‐ELNR blends. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Mechanical properties and morphology of crosslinked PP/PE blends and PP/PE/propylene–ethylene copolymer blends

Blending is an effective method for improving polymer properties. However, the problem of phase separation often occurs due to incompatibility of homopolymers, which deteriorates the physical properties of polyblends. In this study, isotactic polypropylene was blended with low-density polyethylene. Crosslinking agent and copolymers of propylene and ethylene (either random copolymer or block copolymer) were added to improve the interfacial adhesion of PP/LDPE blends. The tensile strength, heat deflection temperature, and impact strength of these modified PP/PE blends were investigated. The microstructures of polyblends have been studied to interpret the mechanical behavior through dynamic viscoelasticity, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, picnometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The properties of crosslinked PP/PE blends were determined by the content of crosslinking agent and processing method. For the material blended by roll, a 2% concentration of peroxide corresponded to a maximum tensile strength and minimum impact strength. However, the mechanical strength of those products blended by extrusion monotonously decreased with increasing peroxide content because of serious degradation. The interfacial adhesion of PP/PE blends could be enhanced by adding random or block copolymer of propylene and ethylene, and the impact strength as well as ductility were greatly improved. Experimental data showed that the impact strength of PP/LDPE/random copolymer ternary blend could reach as high as 33.3 kg · cm/cm; however, its rigidity and tensile strength were inferior to those of PP/LDPE/block copolymer blend.     

1，3-丁二醇对PCL／MDI体系聚氨酯弹性体力学性能的影响

首先以聚己内酯多元醇（PCL）、4,4’-二苯基甲烷二异氰酸酯（MDI）、液化MDI和MDI-50为原料合成聚氨酯（PU）预聚体,再用混合扩链剂制备聚氨酯弹性体。讨论了预聚体异氰酸酯基（NCO）含量、异氰酸酯类型、1,3-丁二醇（1,3-BDO）含量、聚酯软段相对分子质量对聚氨酯弹性体力学性能的影响。结果表明：提高预聚体NC0基含量可使弹性体的硬度、300％定伸应力、拉伸强度和撕裂强度明显提高,拉断伸长率和冲击弹性则下降;纯MDI弹性体综合力学性能最好,液化MDI次之,MDI-50最差;提高1,3-BDO含量可使弹性体的硬度、撕裂强度和冲击弹性明显下降;软段相对分子质量为1000的聚氨酯弹性体的硬度、300％定伸应力、拉伸强度和撕裂强度较高,软段相对分子质量为2000的聚氨酯弹性体的拉断伸长率和冲击弹性较高。     

SBS and SEBS block copolymers as impact modifiers for polypropylene compounds

Blends of polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), namely SBS (styrene‐butadiene‐styrene) and SEBS (styrene‐ethylene/1‐butene‐styrene) block copolymers, were prepared to evaluate the effectiveness of the TPE type as an impact modifier for PP and influence of the concentration of elastomer on the polymer properties. Polypropylene homopolymer (PP‐H) and ethylene–propylene random copolymer (PP‐R) were evaluated as the PP matrix. Results showed that TPEs had a nucleating effect that caused the PP crystallization temperature to increase, with SBS being more effective than SEBS. Microstructure characterization tests showed that in most cases PP/SEBS blends showed the smallest rubber droplets regardless of the matrix used. It was seen that SEBS is a more effective toughening agent for PP than SBS. At 0°C the Izod impact strength of the PP‐H/SEBS 30% b/w blend was twofold higher than the SBS strength, with the PP‐R/SEBS 30% b/w blend showing no break. A similar behavior on tensile properties and flexural modulus were observed in both PP/TPE blends. Yield stress and tensile strength decreased and elongation at break increased by expanding the dispersed elastomeric phase in the PP matrix. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 254–263, 2005     

Compatibility Studies and Characterisation of a PVC/NR Blend System Using NR/PU Block Copolymer

Summary Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been blended with masticated natural rubber (NR₅) in the presence of a compatibiliser. A block copolymer of NR and polyurethane (PU) based on propylene glycol (PG) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) was used as the compatibiliser. Compatibilising effect of this block copolymer on PVC/NR₅ (90/10) blend system was investigated by solution viscometry and optical microscopy. Testing and analysis of the blends showed that the mechanical and morphological properties are functions of compatibiliser concentration. Incorporation of 10 parts of NR₅ into PVC caused deterioration of tensile properties of the latter, which were recovered on the addition of 1.5 weight per cent of the compatibiliser. Besides, the tensile impact strength of PVC gets improved greatly. This was attributed to the enhanced interfacial adhesion between PVC and NR caused by the compatibiliser. The modification at the interface leads to finer and uniform distribution of NR domains in the PVC matrix.     

聚对苯二甲酸丙二醇酯/丙烯腈-苯乙烯-丙烯酸酯共聚物共混物的制备与性能

采用扫描电子显微镜、偏光显微镜、万能材料试验机及毛细管流变仪等对聚对苯二甲酸丙二醇酯/丙烯腈-苯乙烯-丙烯酸酯共聚物（PTT/ASA）共混物的相形态、力学性能、流变性能和热老化性能进行了研究。结果表明,PTT 和ASA具有部分相容性,当ASA含量为50 ％时,共混物中形成了双连续相;随着ASA含量的增加,共混物的断面变得更粗糙,断裂方式转变为韧性断裂,ASA的加入明显提高了共混物的缺口冲击强度,但却降低了拉伸强度;共混物熔体为假塑性流体,随着ASA含 量 增 加,熔体表观黏度升高、假塑性越明显,PTT的加工性能得到改善;PTT/ASA比PTT/丙烯腈-丁二烯-苯乙烯（ABS）共混物具有更好的耐热老化性能。     

Structure and performance of impact modified and oriented sPS/SEBS blens

Blends of syndiotactic styrene/p‐methyl styrene copolymer (SPMS) and poly (styrene)‐block ‐ploy(ethene‐co‐butylene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS) as well as theiruniaxial drwing behavior andd performance were investigated. Mixing was performed using a batch mixer at 280°C. Morphology was evaluted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).Thermal properties, orientation and tensile properties were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the spectrographic birefringence technique, and a tensile testing machine, respectively. The blends of SPMS/SEBS, 90/10 and 80/20 showed a two‐phase structure with an SEBS disperse phase in SPMS matrix. The average sizes of the SEBS paticles and tensile properties of the blends were affected by blending time and compositions. No significant effects on the modulus and strength were observed for the blends containing 10%SEBS or below. The quenched SPMS and SPMS/SEBS (90/10) blends were drawn at 110°C. and their crystallinity and orientation development compared. These were similar for both samples at low draw rations (<3.2), but were much faster for SPMS at higher draw ratios. The orientation process is shown to substantially invrease the strength and modulus in the drawing direction for SPMS and the blends. The toughness (energy under the stress‐strain curve) increased upon addition of SEBS and orientation, with a marked effect of the latter. SEM observation reveals that the dispersed SEBS has been extended to about the same draw ratio as the bulk blend in the drawn blends, indicating effcient stress transfer at the interface.     

A gelatin/PLA-b-PEG film of excellent gas barrier and mechanical properties

A polylactic acid-polyethylene glycol block copolymer (PLA-b-PEG) was used as an additive to prepare gelatin/PLA-b-PEG blend films for the first time. The PEG molecule block enhanced the compatibility of the PLA molecule block with gelatin, which greatly improved the excellent mechanical and gas barrier properties of the gelatin film. The film contained 5 wt% PLA-b-PEG possessed the highest tensile strength and the highest elastic modulus. When the PLA-b-PEG content further increased to 20 wt%, the tensile strength, elastic modulus and elongation at the break of the blend film were all higher than pure gelatin film, suggesting that the gelatin/PLA-b-PEG blend film was pliable and tough. The blend film possessed not only excellent oxygen barrier property, but also a much-improved water barrier property. The degradation rate of the blend film was elongated controllably by regulating the content of the PLA-b-PEG copolymer. The blend film showed great potential in the application of food packaging.     

紫外光对PVC/MBS共混物性能的影响

研究了紫外光对PVC／MBS共混物力学性能及缺口冲击断面形貌的影响。结果表明：适当紫外光照射有利于提高共混物的冲击强度、拉伸强度，冲击断面出现明显增强的韧性断裂；过度光照射导致冲击强度、拉仲强度降低，断裂面的韧性特征明显降低，呈现很明显的脆性断裂特征。     

SEBS/HDPE共混物加工性能及力学性能的研究

以苯乙烯-乙烯-丁二烯-苯乙烯嵌段共聚物（SEBS）／高密度聚乙烯（HDPE）为共混改性的研究对象，采用哈克转矩流变仪进行共混，讨论了不同用量、不同类型的HDPE对共混物加工流变性能、冲击性能和拉伸性能的影响。结果表明，当添加的HDPE份数达到20phr时，能显著提高共混物的冲击性能和拉伸性能，同时共混物的加工流变性能也有了很大的改善。因此质量比为100／20的SEBS／HDPE体系是一个比较理想的共混体系。     

Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Nitrile Rubber Toughened Polystyrene

Mechanical properties and morphology of blends of polystyrene and finely powdered (uncrosslinked and crosslinked) nitrile rubber were studied with special reference to the effect of blend ratio. Blends were prepared by melt mixing polystyrene and nitrile rubber in an internal mixer at 180°C in the composition range of 0–20 wt% nitrile rubber. The tensile stress/strain properties and impact strength of the polystyrene/nitrile rubber blends were determined using injection molded test specimens. In comparison to the blends with uncrosslinked nitrile rubber, blends with crosslinked nitrile rubber showed higher tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, impact strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus. The enhanced adhesion between the dispersed nitrile rubber phase and the polystyrene matrix results in an increase in mechanical properties. Scanning electron micrographs of the fractured surfaces confirm the enhancement in mechanical properties.     

1-Chloro-1,3-butadiene copolymers. I. Synthesis of copolymer with 1,3-butadiene and physical properties of its vulcanizate

Emulsion copolymerization of 1-chloro-1,3-butadiene and 1,3-butadiene was carried out using potassium persulfate at 50°C. The thus synthesized 1-chloro-1,3-butadiene copolymer was possible to be cured with 2-mercaptoimidazoline (MI) as well as with sulfur. The tensile strength of the MI vulcanizate of the copolymer compounded with 30 phr HAF black reached 100 kg/cm² and was higher than that of the sulfur vulcanizate. Moreover, these two vulcanizates showed higher tensile strengths than the sulfur vulcanizate of emulsion butadiene rubber. The addition of the copolymer to the blend of chloroprene rubber (Neoprene GRT) and butadiene rubber extremely improved the elongation and the tensile strength. Dynamic measurements of the vulcanizates showed that the glass transition temperature of the copolymer was situated at the region between that of butadiene rubber and that of chloroprene rubber.     

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.     

Investigation of the rheological and mechanical properties of a polystyrene‐polyisobutylene‐polystyrene triblock copolymer and its blends with polystyrene

The rheological and mechanical properties of a polystyrene‐polyisobutylene‐polystyrene (SIBS) block copolymer containing 30 wt% polystyrene (PS) and its blends with PS (SIBS/PS) were investigated. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used to visualize the nanostructured phase morphology of the SIBS, which is responsible for the mechanical strength of this thermoplastic rubber. The order‐disorder transition (ODT) for the SIBS block copolymer was found to be above 250°C. SIBS/PS blends with 10–30 wt% PS showed improved moduli and tensile strengths. Blends containing up to 40 wt% PS behaved as thermoplastic elastomers. In the region of linear viscoelasticity the blends revealed pronounced non‐Newtonian behavior and enhanced elasticity. This paper also reports the role of this styrenic block copolymer in the impact modification of PS.     

Effects of reactive reinforced interface on the morphology and tensile properties of amorphous polyamide–SAN blends

The effects of reactive reinforced interface on the morphology and tensile properties of amorphous polyamide (a-PA) and styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymer blend have been investigated using styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer as a reactive compatibilizer. The anhydride groups of SMA copolymer can react with the amine groups of polyamide and form in situ graft copolymers at the a-PA–SAN interfaces during the blend preparation. The interfacial adhesion strength of the reactive reinforced interface was evaluated quantitatively using an asymmetric double cantilever beam fracture test as a function of SMA copolymer content using a model adhesive joint. The interfacial adhesion strength was found to increase with the content of SMA copolymer and then level off. The morphological observations of a-PA–SAN (80/20 w/w) blends showed that the finer dispersion of the SAN domains with rather narrow distribution was obtained by the addition of SMA copolymer into the blends. The trend of morphology change was not in accord with that of the interfacial adhesion strength with respect to the content of SMA copolymer. However, the results of tensile properties showed very similar behavior to the case of the interfacial adhesion strength with respect to SMA content; that is, there was an optimum level of the reactive compatibilizer beyond which the interfacial adhesion strength and tensile strength did not change significantly. These results clearly reveal that tensile properties of polymer blend are highly dependent on the interfacial adhesion strength. Furthermore, it is suggested that the asymmetric double cantilever beam fracture test using a model interface is a useful method to quantify the adhesion strength between the phases in real polymer blends. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 68: 1925–1933, 1998     

Effect of ABS grafting degree and compatibilization on the properties of PBT/ABS blends

Blends of PBT/ABS and PBT/ABS compatibilized with styrene‐acrylonitrile‐glycidyl methacrylate (SAG) copolymer were prepared by melt blending method. Grafting degree (GD) of ABS influences the morphology and mechanical properties of PBT/ABS blends. ABS can disperse in PBT matrix uniformly and PBT/ABS blends fracture in ductile mode when ABS grafting degree is more than 44.8%, otherwise, agglomeration takes place and PBT/ABS blends fracture in brittle way. On the other hand, the grafting degree of ABS has no obvious influence on the morphology of PBT/ABS blends and PBT/ABS blends fracture in ductile mode when SAG is incorporated since the compatibilization effect. However, PBT/SAG/ABS blends display much lower impact strength values comparing with PBT/ABS when the blends fracture in ductile way. Side reactions in PBT/SAG/ABS blends were analyzed and which were the main reason for the decrease of impact strength of PBT blends. Tensile tests show that the tensile strength and tensile modulus of PBT blends decrease with the increase of ABS grafting degree due to the higher effective volume. PBT/SAG/ABS blends display much higher tensile properties than PBT/ABS blends since the compatibilization effect. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:484–492, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers     

聚L-丙交酯-ε-己内酯/DL-丙交酯共聚物-聚L-丙交酯热塑性弹性体的制备及表征

以辛酸亚锡为催化剂,1,4-丁二醇为引发剂,将ε-己内酯与DL-丙交酯进行开环聚合制备两端带有羟基的ε-己内酯和DL-丙交酯共聚物（PCDLA-OH预聚物）,然后以PCDLA-OH预聚物引发L-丙交酯开环聚合制备两端为聚L-丙交酯链段,中间为ε-己内酯和DL-丙交酯共聚物链段的三嵌段共聚物（PLLA-b-PCDLA-b-PLLA）,并对嵌段共聚物的结构与性能进行了测试。结果表明,PCDLA-OH预聚物中DL-丙交酯的用量越大,预聚物逐渐从部分结晶转变为无定形聚合物,玻璃化转变温度逐渐升高。当DL-丙交酯与ε-己内酯的摩尔比为3/10,PCDLA-OH预聚物与L-丙交酯的质量比为1/5时,所制备的PLLA-b-PCDLA-b-PLLA的扯断伸长率为204%,拉伸强度为4.77 MPa。     

Studies of poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide blends): I. Copolymers of styrene and maleic anhydride

Blends of poly(2,6-dimethyl-l,4-phenylene oxide) and copolymers of styrene and maleic anhydride have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile measurements. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements indicate a single broadened glass transition for each blend of a 8 wt.% maleic anhydride copolymer, P(S-8MA), but two glass transitions when the copolymer composition is 14 wt.% MA, P(S-14MA). The glass transition temperatures of the former blends follow a sigmoidal dependence on blend composition, which is explained on the basis of evidence for phase separation from their dynamic mechanical tan 8 spectra. Tensile moduli of both blends reach a maximum at intermediate blend compositions; however, large-strain mechanical properties are highly dependent on blend compatibility and the method of sample preparation. The more homogeneous P(S-8MA) blends yield at low-to-intermediate copolymer compositions but fail in a brittle mode at higher compositions. All heterogeneous P(S-14MA) blends undergo brittle failure, but comparison of experimetal values of ultimate stress and strain with predictions from empirical relationships developed for composites indicate that interfacial adhesion is strong in these systems.     

In situ composite fibers: Blends of liquid crystalline polymer and poly (ethylene terephthalate)

To augment the concept of in situ composites as alternatives to fiber-reinforced composites, polyblends of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were prepared. Fiber-spinning of the blends was performed on a piston-driven plastorneter. Blends of LCP and a low-intrinsic-viscosity PET resin showed poor mechanical performance, which was attributed to their processing behavior. Blends of LCP and a high intrinsicviscosity PET manifested an almost additive behavior with regard to tensile modulus and strength. Elongation of the blends, however, displayed a radical decline, which is reminiscent of fiber-reinforced composites. Heat treatment of the blend fibers modestly increased the tensile properties of the LCP-rich compositions. Blend fibers from PET-rich compositions exhibit a moderate decline in tensile properties owing to thermal relaxation of PET. The data demonstrate that in situ composites or blends of thermotropic LCPs and isotropic polymers present challenging alternatives to fiber-reinforced composite systems because of their ease of processing.     

利用回收LDPE/PVDC复合薄膜制备共混材料的研究

以回收低密度聚乙烯/聚偏氯乙烯(LDPE/PVDC)复合薄膜为基体材料,低密度聚乙烯接枝丙烯酸(LDPE-g-AA)为相容剂,线型低密度聚乙烯(LLDPE)为改性剂,再加入液体钙-锌(Ca-Zn)热稳定剂,通过混合、挤出、注塑工艺制备共混材料。采用刚果红法分析了Ca-Zn稳定剂对复合薄膜中PVDC热稳定性能的影响,并对共混材料的力学性能、阻隔性能和微观形态进行了测试与分析。结果表明:加入1.2份Ca-Zn稳定剂后,共混材料的刚果红试纸起始变色时间和完全变色时间分别延长了67 s和354 s,起始变色温度和完全变色温度分别提高了8℃和11℃;含3%LDPE-g-AA的共混材料,PVDC嵌入LDPE材料中,相容性明显改善,其缺口冲击强度和断裂伸长率提高,吸油率下降;含20%LLDPE及3%LDPE-g-AA的共混材料,其拉伸强度为14.43 MPa、断裂伸长率为389.11%、缺口冲击强度为29.51 kJ/m2、吸油率为14.40%,力学性能和阻隔性能优良。