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Phase morphology, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, crystallization, and thermal degradation properties of PP and PP/PS blends modified with SEBS elastomer

  • Research Article
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International Journal of Plastics Technology

Abstract

Binary and ternary blends comprised of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SEBS) were prepared. The effect of phase composition of minor components on the morphology, mechanical, viscoelastic, crystallization, and thermal degradation properties was studied. Binary blends exhibited inferior properties, typical of immiscible and incompatible multi-phase systems and showed matrix-droplet phase morphologies. Ternary blends, especially those with greater concentration of SEBS minor phase, exhibited interesting properties. Scanning electron micrographs of SEBS compatibilized PP/PS blends, did not show any PS particle pulling out of the PP matrix, indicating good compatibility of SEBS with PP/PS blends. Dynamic mechanical analysis also supported the heterogeneous phase structure of the blends. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry showed that addition of PS and SEBS decreased the thermal stability of PP marginally, but shows slight variations in melting and crystallization behavior.

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Acknowledgements

J P acknowledges the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, for financial support under an Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Faculty Award (contract Grant Number IFA-CH-16).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, Kerala, 682022, India

    Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai

  2. Department of Chemistry, Government College, Kottayam, Kerala, 686013, India

    Seno Jose

  3. Department of Materials and Production Engineering, The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangsue, Bangkok, 10800, Thailand

    Suchart Siengchin

  4. Factory of the Future, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia

    Nishar Hameed

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  1. Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai
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Correspondence to Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai.

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Parameswaranpillai, J., Jose, S., Siengchin, S. et al. Phase morphology, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, crystallization, and thermal degradation properties of PP and PP/PS blends modified with SEBS elastomer. Int J Plast Technol 21, 79–95 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12588-017-9172-9

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