Study on the effect of blend composition Physicochemical properties of NR/LLDPE blends for the polymer industry

Preparation of polymer blends is a kind of strategy to develop new polymeri materials rather than following new root of synthesis polymers. Further, blending of polymers ^ proven as a cost effective way of achieving polymeric materials with required physicochemical properties. Natural rubber (NR) and Linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) could be processed using conventional rubber processing equipment. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of blend composition on physicochemical properties of NR/LLDPE blends. A series of blends was prepared by melt mixing and by varying LLDPE loading from 0 to 80 wt.% at 10 wt% intervals Dicumyl Peroxide and maleic anhydride as the vulcanization agent and the coagent, respectively were incorporated. Rheological properties, thermal properties and physicochemical properties determined according to ISO standards. Cure characteristics, hardness, tear strength, modulus at 300% elongation, and solvent resistance in toluene were increased with LLDPE loading. Tensile properties were improved with the addition of LLDPE up to 50 wt% compared to 100% NR compound and then started to decrease. All the properties were inferior when blends were prepared without the coagent Decrease in glass transition temperature of the LLDPE phase in the blends prepared with the coagent was more prominent and may be due to enhanced interfacial adhesion. By varying the blend ratio, NR/LLDPE blend can be used as a versatile material for appropriate applications in the polymer industry