Effect of addition of polyethylene on properties of polypropylene/ethylene-propylene rubber blends

Abstract

Toughening of polypropylene was carried out by adding two types of ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) having different ethylene content, and three commercial types of EPR containing high density polyethylene (PE). The concentration of EPR was varied from 0-30%. Globular morphology of the dispersed phase was observed at all concentrations. Average particle size of the dispersed phase (EPR) was about 2-4 μm with about 10% within the 0.5-1 μm range. Although most of the properties were not affected by the presence of polyethylene, high notched Izod impact strength was achieved only with samples containing PE. Melt flow rate, yield strength and modulus were found to decrease almost linearly with increasing elastomer concentration in the blend. Elongation at break was enhanced by the addition of EPR, particularly those containing PE. The contribution of PE to the properties was explained by the specific EPR/PE particle morphology (core-shell or interpenetrating) but the exact mechanism of toughening of PP with EPR in the presence of PE is not clear. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.