Correlation of morphology, rheology, and impact strength in compatibilized polypropylene/polybutadiene rubber thermoplastic vulcanizates

Document Type : Original research

Authors

1 Department of Chemistry, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran

2 Research and Development Department of Shazand Petrochemical Co. Arak, Iran

3 Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) were prepared based on polypropylene (PP) and polybutadiene rubber (PBR) at different PP/PBR compositions (70/30 and 60/40). PP-grafted-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) was introduced into the TPVs at different concentrations (10 and 20%). The compatibilizing effect of PP-g-MA was demonstrated through cross-sectional morphology. PP-g-MA exhibited a suppressing impact on the coalescence of the rubber domains, leading to a finer and more uniform distribution of the PBR phase. Due to the higher rubber content, the compatibilizing effect was more pronounced for the 60/40 composition, which was on the verge of forming a co-continuous morphology. However, it was found that a higher PP-g-MA content is needed to effectively compatibilize the TPVs. Rheological results revealed opposing effects on the viscoelastic response of the system. However, the elastic response was intensified once higher content of PP-g-MA was used, suggesting its compatibilizing role. Dynamic mechanical analysis results proved the existence of opposing effects and revealed the profound compatibilizing effects of PP-g-MA, especially at higher content (20%). Izod impact strength exhibited moderate and notable enhancements in both TPV compositions by adding 10% and 20% of PP-g-MA, respectively, attributed to the highly increased compatibility of the PP/PBR TPVs, especially at higher levels of PP-g-MA content.

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Polyolefins Journal

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 April 2024

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History

  • Receive Date: 13 April 2024
  • Accept Date: 23 April 2024

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