Properties of bloodmeal/linear low-density polyethylene blends compatibilized with maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene

Novatein thermoplastics from bloodmeal (NTP) were blended with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) using maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MAH) as compatibilizer. The compatibilizing effect on mechanical, morphology, thermal properties, and water absorption were studied and compared with blends without compatibilizer. The amount of polyethylene added was varied between 20 and 70% in NTP with addition of 10% compatibilizer. An improvement in compatibility between NTP and LLDPE was observed across the entire composition range and the difference were more pronounced at higher NTP contents where the tensile strength of blends was maintained and never dropped below that of pure NTP. Theoretical models were compared to the results to describe mechanical properties. A finely dispersed small particles of NTP in compatibilized blends were observed using SEM. Improved compatibility has restricted chain movement resulting in slightly elevated Tg revealed by DMA. On the other hand, water absorption of the hydrophilic NTP has been decreased when blending with hydrophobic LLDPE