Optimization of the processing parameters in melt blending of thermoplastic polyurethane and poly dimethyl siloxane rubber

Abstract

This article emphasizes the optimization of processing parameters required for the blending of polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS) rubber. Taguchi methodology was adapted as a statistical tool in the design of experiment to optimize processing conditions on the basis of tensile strength and impact strength for 50:50 blend of TPU and PDMS. L 9 (3 3 ) orthogonal array strategy was utilized for conducting the experiments. The experimental data were transformed into signal-to-noise ratios, based on which each processing parameter has been optimized. Measure of confidence of the results has been studied using standard statistical technique of analysis of variance. From the results, the processing conditions have been optimized.

Compatibilized TPU‐PDMS blends: Pros and cons of melt mixing and solution mixing techniques

“…PDMS is another class of material which is growing in tandem with TPU in terms of biological applications due to its unique biocompatibility . This has led to the development of TPU–PDMS blends by exploring the synergistic effects . However, TPU–PDMS blend is a heterogeneous system and therefore it manifests as an unstable two‐phase morphology.…”

“…[12][13][14] This has led to the development of TPU-PDMS blends by exploring the synergistic effects. [15][16][17][18][19] However, TPU-PDMS blend is a heterogeneous system and therefore it manifests as an unstable two-phase morphology. The selection of blending technique, as well as compatibilization method in such systems is crucial to obtain maximum synergy.…”

Preparation and characterization of nanohydroxyapatite-based nanocomposites derived from immiscible blends of thermoplastic polyurethane and polydimethylsiloxane rubber

“…Blends of TPU and PDMS were prepared in a Brabender Plastograph1 EC (digital 3.8-kW motor, a torque measuring range of 200 Nm, at a speed range from 0.2 to 150 min À1 ) per the procedure established in an earlier publication. 10 TPU was allowed to melt at 190 C after which the unmodified n-HA/PPG-modified n-HA was added to it, and the blend was mixed in the plastograph for two more minutes. At the next stage, PDMS was added and melt blended for another 3 min in the plastograph.…”

“…In the earlier works, the authors have shown that the blends of TPU and PDMS rubber develop the desired phase morphology by controlling the processing parameters and also through in-situ compatibilization to achieve improved mechanical strength properties suitable for biomedical applications. [10][11][12][13] In the present study, the authors have attempted to investigate the synthesis and characterization of HA nanorods and the preparation of n-HA composites derived from TPU-PDMS immiscible blends. The surface of the n-HA nanorods was modified with polypropylene glycol (PPG) to enhance the interaction with the polymer matrices to achieve good mechanical strength, good stiffness, and flexibility.…”

Thermoplastic elastomer blend based on EMA and NBR; optimization of process parameters

“…This motivated us to investigate further on optimizing the process parameters for EMA/NBR blends. Taguchi technique employs a unique devise of orthogonal arrays to cover the entire blend mixing conditions with the least number of experiments . Application of Taguchi methodology in the optimization of processing variables during melt polymer mixing of diverse polymer blend systems has been reported in the literature .…”