Effects of dynamic vulcanization on the physical,mechanical, and morphological properties of high‐density polyethylene/(natural rubber)/(thermoplastic tapioca starch) blends |
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| Authors: | Mohamad Kahar Abdul Wahab Hanafi Ismail Nadras Othman |
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| Affiliation: | Polymer Engineering Division, School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Seri Ampangan 14300 Nibong Tebal, Seberang Perai Selatan, Penang |
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| Abstract: | Blending of high density polyethylene (HDPE), natural rubber (NR), and thermoplastic tapioca starch (TPS) have been studied. Two series of samples having 5–30 wt% of TPS were prepared: (a) unvulcanized blends (control) and (b) dynamically vulcanized HDPE/NR/TPS blends. The composition of the HDPE/NR was constant and fixed at a blend ratio of 70/30. Morphology studies by SEM showed that the TPS particles were homogeneously dispersed and well‐embedded in vulcanized HDPE/NR matrix. The SEM micrographs showed agreement with the tensile strength and elongation at break values. Tensile strength improved significanly when the HDPE/NR/TPS blends were vulcanized by using sulfur curative system. The enhancement in tensile properties is attributed to the crosslinking reaction within the NR phase. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 18:192–197, 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers |
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