ENGAGE compatibilized HDPE/EPDM blends: Modification of some industrially pertinent properties and morphology upon incorporation of Mg(OH)2 filler and electron beam crosslinked network |
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Authors: | Bhuwanesh Kumar Sharma Subhendu Ray Chowdhury Atanu Jha Amit Kumar Samanta Prakash Mahanwar Kuppa Sivasankara Sarma |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Polymer and Surface Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai, India;2. Radiation Technology Development Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, India;3. Uniflex Cable Ltd, Khatalwada, India |
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Abstract: | To observe the effect of ENGAGE (a poly‐olefin elastomer) on compatibilization of industrially important incompatible blend, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/ethylene‐propylene diene elastomer (EPDM), 15 wt % ENGAGE is incorporated into the system and the latter is found satisfactorily efficient as compatibilizer for the above system. To improve some industrially pertinent properties another strategies are also followed in addition, incorporation of magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2] and electron beam (EB) crosslinking into the system. The gel content was found to increase with radiation dose, EPDM content and Mg(OH)2 dispersion. ENGAGE interestingly increases the gel content that is, promotes crosslinking. It is unique that filler dispersion and crosslinked network formation maintain the compatibility of the ternary system, which is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscope. The compatibilization, Mg(OH)2 dispersion, and EB crosslinking improve the mechanical, thermo mechanical, flame retardant properties, and phase morphology considerably. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44922. |
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Keywords: | blends compatibilization copolymers crosslinking elastomers |
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