The effect of different mixing methods on morphology and mechanical properties of PP/EPDM/talc blend

To overcome the low modulus and low maximum service temperature of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) blends, incorporation of talc into blend have been considered. In this study, the effect of various mixing methods of morphological behavior and mechanical properties of PP/EPDM/talc compound were investigated. Samples were prepared by different methods in internal mixer and co-rotating twin-screw extruder. It was found, the tensile properties were not affected by applying different mixing methods.The highest impact resistance was related to sample which had pre-blending on two roll mills and finally mixed in the internal mixer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed that the rubber dispersed morphology for all samples and the finest morphology was related to sample with the highest impact resistance. Because of pre-blending of EPDM/talc on two roll mills, this sample showed the best dispersion and distribution of talc.

Automated summary

The study investigated the effect of different mixing methods on the morphological behavior and mechanical properties of PP/EPDM/talc compound. It was found that the tensile properties were not affected by the mixing methods, while the sample with the highest impact resistance was prepared by pre-blending on two roll mills before final mixing in an internal mixer.