Mechanical, thermal and morphological characterization of PP/PS/HDPE ternary immiscible polymer blend for light weight automotive applications

Abstract

Thermoplastic polymer blends investigation is significant because of the broad applications in automotive, aerospace, electrical appliances, etc. In this study ternary polymer blends of polypropylene (PP)/polystyrene (PS)/high-density polyethylene (HDPE) were prepared which bear superior properties appropriate for light weight automobile applications. The mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of these mixes were analyzed which promotes the application areas to which it is suitable for. PP can enhance the properties when used as a blend with other thermoplastics namely polystyrene and high-density polyethylene. The dispersed phase of minor components strengthens continuous phase by energy barring properties within the limitations. The mechanical and thermal properties of ternary blend is found to be higher than that of binary blends. The maximum value obtained for tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength are 39.72 MPa, 49.47 MPa, 28.80 kJ/m2 which are higher than binary blend and raw polymer. The results exhibit a stronger prospect for these blends even without the addition of compatibilizer.