Preparation and characterization of polypropylene/waste tyre dust blends with addition of DCP and HVA-2 (PP/WTDP-HVA2)

Preparation of polypropylene (PP)/waste tyre dust (WTD) blends with addition of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and N,N'-m-phenylenebismaleimide (HVA-2) (PP/WTDP-HVA2) was described. The blends were characterized based on their tensile properties, swelling resistance and morphology, as well as thermal properties. The results reveal that the presence of both chemicals in PP/WTDP-HVA2 blends brought about noticeable improvements in tensile properties, swelling resistance and interfacial adhesion. The thermal stability was also improved, indicating existence of some chemical interaction between WTD and the PP matrix in the presence of both DCP and HVA-2 during processing. The results imply that both chemicals had great influences on WTD destabilization, leading to the enlargement and intensification of the copolymer formation and, hence, improved the interfacial adhesion between WTD and the PP matrix. A competing reaction mechanism that may contribute to the property enhancement of PP/WTDP-HVA2 blends was proposed. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.