Effect of Dynamic Crosslinking on Mechanical Properties of PP/EPDM Blends

Abstract

The effect of dynamic curing of PP/EPDM blends with sulfur and thiuram disulfide systems on their mechanical properties was studied. The results were interpreted using the knowledge of the formation of phase structure in the blends during their melt mixing. It was shown, that a sufficiently slow curing reaction is necessary if a high impact strength is to be obtained. Only in such case, a fine and homogeneous dispersion of elastomer can be formed, which is the necessary condition for high impact strength of the blend. Using an inhibitor of curing in the system and a one-step method of dynamic curing leads to an increase in impact strength of blends. From the comparison of shear modulus and impact strength values, it follows that, at the stiffness, the dynamically cured blends have higher impact strength than the uncured ones.