Effect of PE-g-MA-Compatibilizer on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties of 70/30 HDPE/ENR Blends |
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Authors: | Ishak Ahmad Lau Pei Fern |
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Affiliation: | 1. School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology , Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) , Bangi Selangor, Malaysia gading@pkrisc.cc.ukm.my;3. School of Chemical Sciences and Food Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology , Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) , Bangi Selangor, Malaysia |
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Abstract: | The effects of PE-g-MA as a compatibilizer in binary blends of 70/30 high-density polyethylene/epoxidized natural rubber (HDPE/ENR) have been investigated by means of mechanical analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The special emphasis was given to the role of PE-g-MA in inducing interactions between HDPE and ENR. It has been observed that increasing the amount of PE-g-MA in the blend increases the tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength. It is believed that the degree of cross-link increased, which led to improve the interaction between the HDPE and ENR. The optimum stress values are shown in the blend containing 6% PE-g-MA. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the samples also indicated that the addition of compatibilizer decreases the domain size of the dispersed phase. Well-dispersed plastic particles in a rubber matrix were strongly indicated in these samples. The results obtained reveal that the addition of PE-g-MA in HDPE/ENR blend led to an increase in the homogeneity of the blends. |
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Keywords: | Compatibilizer Epoxidized natural rubber Polyethylene Polymer blend |
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