Reactive compatibilization of poly(buthylene terephthalate)/high density polyethylene by maleic anhydride grafted high density polyethylene

Abstract

Polymer blending is a technique used to fabricate a new material that has different physical properties. A common problem in the blending process is that mixing non polar and polar polymers together leads to unstable phase morphology and poor mechanical properties. Adding a small amount of compatibilizer can be solved these problems. Many researchers have successfully demonstrated that a compatibilizer molecule must physically or chemically interact with the polymer blend to reach maximum potential and attain stable phase morphology. In this research, we blended poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) by using maleic anhydride grafted high density polyethylene as a compatibilizer. This polymer blend had greater mechanical properties, an indication that a compatible blend was produced.