Effects of PE-g-DBM as a compatiblizer on mechanical properties and crystallization behaviors of magnesium hydroxide-based LLDPE blends

A linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) grafted with dibutyl maleate (DBM) (PE-g-DBM) was prepared in the presence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and characterized by FTIR, melt index, and contact angle. The effects of PE-g-DBM as a compatiblizer on the mechanical properties, morphological structure and crystallization behaviors of magnesium hydroxide (MH)-based halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR) LLDPE blends have been investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical properties measurements. The results show that a suitable amount of PE-g-DBM compatiblizer can increase the adhesion between MH and polyethylene and thus improve the mechanical properties of LLDPE/MH/PE-g-DBM blends. The crystallinity degree of the blends decreases with increasing PE-g-DBM content. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.