Compatibility Effect of Reactive Copolymers on the Morphology, Rheology, and Mechanical Properties of Recycled Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Polypropylene Blends

Abstract

Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) grafted ethyleneoctene multi-block copolymer (OBC) in the presence of the styrene (St) monomer (OBC-g-(GMA-co-St)) was prepared and then used as a compatibilizer for recycled Poly (ethylene terephthalate)/Polypropylene (R-PET/PP) blends. The morphological, rheological and mechanical properties of the blends were investigated. The results show that the compatibilization between R-PET and PP blends is improved by the introduction of OBC-g-(GMA-co-St). The SEM results show that all R-PET/PP blends exhibit a matrix-dispersed droplet type morphology, and the addition of OBC-g-(GMA-co-St) results in a finer morphology and better adhension between the phases. In addition, the storage moduli (G'), loss moduli (G") and the Charpy impact strength of the blends increase with increasing OBC-g-(GMA-co-St) content, while the the flexural strength decreases slightly.