Flexible and transparent ends based on ethylene/styrene/propylene terpolymers

摘要

Polymer blends are generally opaque due to lack of miscibility or to a refractive index mismatch between the components. Dependent upon comonomer composition, novel ethylene/styrene/propylene (ESP) terpolymers obtained with INSITE* technology offer flexibility in tailoring refractive index. Blends of these terpolymers with other polymers, such as polypropylene, ethylene/octene copolymer and poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) (SEBS) block copolymer, are shown to have interesting combinations of optical transparency, processability and mechanical properties. The morphologies of the blends have been studied using microscopic techniques, and the results corroborate the synergistic optical properties. Potential applications for the blend systems include label stocks, removable signage, protective drapery and injection molded products.