Characterization And Properties Of Linear Low Density Polyethylene/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Blends
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Date
2011-08
Authors
Muhammed Nordin, Razif
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The effect of blend ratio, crosslinking agent, electron beam irradiation and
the combination of irradiation and crosslinking agent on the properties of linear low
density polyethylene/poly(vinyl alcohol) blends were investigated. The crosslinking
was prepared using maleic acid and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate as
crosslinking agents and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as initiator, while
trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) was crosslinking agent chosen for
irradiation process. Blends were prepared by melt mixing in an internal mixer,
Haake Rheomix Polydrive at temperature and rotor speed of 150ºC and 50 rpm
respectively. Blend systems covered various compositions viz. 90/10, 80/20, 60/40,
50/50 and 40/60, of LLDPE/PVA (php/php). Results showed that the tensile
properties decreased with increases in PVA content, these were due to
incompatibility between LLDPE and PVA components. Results on differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC) and morphology revealed that the blend were
immiscible at all blends ratios. Meanwhile, chemical crosslinking through maleic
acid and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate has enhanced the compatibility,
thermal stability and tensile properties of LLDPE/PVA blends. The formation of
crosslinking was proved by FTIR and quantified with gel content. The presence of
crosslink’s significantly alters the morphology of LLDPE/PVA blends. These
findings follow the theory which stated that the crosslinking formation enhanced the
compatibility of immiscible blends.
Description
Keywords
Characterization And Properties , Linear Low Density Polyethylene/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Blends