| Abstract: | Abstract Microfibrillar reinforced composites (MFC) based on HDPE/PET blends were prepared under conditions relevant for direct scale-up to an industrial process. The evolution of the morphology and of the linear viscoelastic response of the blend along the axis of a co-rotating twin screw extruder and at several locations along the extrusion line was monitored. Major changes in the average particle size and size distribution of the disperse phase occurred upon melting of the components, whilst a much slower evolution rate was evident downstream in the extruder. Simultaneously, G′ and G″ increased along the extruder. Pellets showing well oriented PET fibrils embedded in a HDPE matrix with poor adhesion between both were obtained. This MFC showed the typical improvement expected in mechanical performance when compared with the matrix. |
