A Novel Thermoplastic Elastomer by Reaction-Induced Phase Decomposition from a Miscible Polymer Blend

Abstract

A miscible polymer/polymer system, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/acrylic rubber (ACM), was subjected to dynamic vulcanization to yield an oil- and heat-resistant thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The morphology of the TPE has been investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was shown that phase decomposition occurs during the dynamic vulcanization process and that the TPE consists of a PVDF-rich matrix and ACM-rich cross-linked particles of submicron diameter in which PVDF crystal lamellae are well developed. The TPE displayed excellent mechanical properties, namely, high tensile strength, large elongation at break, and excellent strain recovery from the highly deformed state. It also showed excellent oil and heat resistance. The formation of PVDF lamellae in ACM-rich particles may be the reason for the excellent oil resistance.

Compatibilization efficiency of carboxylated nitrile rubber and epoxy pre-polymer in nitrile/acrylic rubber blends.

“…The best way to achieve commercially viable products with outstanding properties is through the addition of filler and/or blending with other thermoplastic or rubber. Several researchers have reported the use of ACM rubbers in blends with some thermoplastic as nylon [2][3][4][5] , poly (vinyl chloride) [6][7] , ethylene -vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers [8] , poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) [9] , poly (ethylene terephthalate) [10] , chlorinated polypropylene [11] and polypropylene [12] , as well as with few rubbers as fluorocarbon rubber [13][14][15][16][17] and natural rubber [18][19][20] . Recently we have reported some results involving mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of ACM/NBR blends aiming to develop a system with better heat and oil resistance than pure NBR elastomer and better mechanical performance than ACM [21] .…”

A novel thermoplastic elastomer based on dynamically vulcanized polypropylene/acrylic rubber blends

“…Consequently a fine morphology is usually achieved for these blends, which contributes to an improvement of the overall properties. Some few examples of ACM -based elastomer thermoplastics are reported in the literature and include blends with nylon [4][5][6][7], poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) [8,9], poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) [10], poly (ethylene terephthalate) [11] and chlorinated polypropylene [12]. In all these blends, the thermoplastic component is polar, and presents some affinity with the ACM rubber.…”

Influence of network structure on the viscoelastic properties of dynamically vulcanized rubber/plastic blends: An alternative approach to understand the microstructure evolution

“…A similar trend has been observed in swelling experiment and discussed later. As seen in Figure 2, the mixing torque levels off at the end of dynamic vulcanization for P33 which indicates that the system is still melt processable even after M a n u s c r i p t 14 | P a g e the formation of cross-linked structure in the rubber phase [35]. At this stage, the cross-linked rubber particles get dispersed in the TPE matrix and due to attainment of higher elasticity of the rubber phase, the shear rate acting on it is not sufficient enough to facilitate further break down of the elastic network.…”