Effects of Dynamic Vulcanization on the Physical, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of High-Density Poiyethylene/(Natural Rubber)/ (Thermoplastic Tapioca Starch) Blends

摘要

Blending of high density polyethylene (HOPE), 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.