Effect of monomethyl itaconate‐grafted HDPE and EPR on the compatibility and properties of HDPE–EPR blends

Abstract

ABSTRACT:To improve the compatibility and properties of blends based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and the ethylene-propylene copolymer (EPR), the functionalization of both through grafting with an itaconic acid derivative, monomethyl itaconate (MMI), was investigated. The grafting reaction was performed at 180°C in a Brabender Plasticorder using an initial monomer concentration of 3 phr in the case of HDPE and 5 phr in the case of EPR. 2,5-Dimethyl-2,5-bis(tert-butylperoxy)hexane was used as a radical initiator for the functionalization of HDPE and dicumyl peroxide was used as a radical initiator for the modification of EPR. The degree of grafting was 1.56% by weight for HDPE and 0.8% by weight for EPR. The effect of grafting on the processability, morphology, and thermal and mechanical properties of the blends are of particular interest. The results show that the grafting reaction increases the toughness and elongation at break of all tested blends and they retained their strength and stiffness. Moreover, the grafted polymers behaved as nucleating agents, accelerating the HDPE crystallization. These results are particularly relevant when both polymeric phases are modified. Morphological studies are in concordance with the mechanical characterization, showing a reduction of the rubber particle size and a better interfacial adhesion when both polymers are functionalized with MMI.

Control of calcium carbonate crystallization by using anionic polymethylsiloxanes as templates

“…In case of CO 2 H-PMS, the success of the hydrosilylation reaction was confirmed by appearance of new absorption band at 1741 cm À 1 assigned to the stretching vibration of ester carbonyl group of the MMI linked to PMS. This absorption band appears at 1744 cm À 1 when MMI was grafted onto high-density polyethylene [90]. Furthermore, absorption bands at 1264 and 808 cm À 1 confirmed the presence of the Si-CH 3 bond.…”

Preparation of a porous scaffold based on polypropylene grafted with monomethylitaconate as potential bone graft

“…Our previous work has shown that PP grafted with MMI has better performance in promoting interfacial adhesion between polymers with different polarities. 13 Moreover, MMI its less toxic than MA. Therefore, the use of functionalized PP, either with MA or MMI, facilitate the interaction with CHI.…”

Use of SEBS/EPR and SBR/EPR as Binary Compatibilizers for PE/PP/PS/HIPS Blends: A Work Oriented to the Recycling of Thermoplastic Wastes

“…It is known that the similarity of the chemical structure between polymers and compatibilizer is very important to have good enhancement in the final properties of the blends. In our research group, after having studied blends of PP with EPR,30 PE with EPR31 and PP with PET,32 we thought that the use of binary compatibilizer systems with similar structures as those of polymeric wastes would help to improve the compatibility and hence the mechanical properties of the blends. In this work, we report the use of SEBS/EPR and SBR/EPR as compatibilizers to obtain PE/PP/PS, PE/PP/HIPS and PE/PP/PS/HIPS blends.…”