| Abstract: | The effects of SEBS as a compatibilizer on the interfacial tension and rheological properties of LDPE/PS blend have been studied. Interfacial tension was measured by the breaking thread method. The measured interfacial tension of the LDPE/PS blend was 8.26 dyn/cm. It decreased rapidly with SEBS contents to 1 wt % and then leveled off to a saturation value, 3.6 dyn/cm. Dynamic oscillatory shear, elongational viscosity, and recovery after elongation were measured as the rheological properties. Storage modulus at low frequencies decreased with SEBS contents to 1 wt %. More addition of SEBS, however, increased the storage modulus at low frequencies. Similar behaviors could be observed in elongation viscosity and recovery after elongation. Hardening of elongational viscosity and recovery after elongation were reduced with 1 wt % SEBS, and they enhanced again with more SEBS contents. This means that there is a critical concentration of SEBS that acts as a compatibilizer and reduces the interfacial tension. More SEBS than the critical concentration saturates the interface and increases the elasticity of the LDPE/PS blend, while maintaining the interfacial tension between LDPE and PS constant. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 905–911, 2005 |
