Polymers and Polymer Composites

MORPHOLOGY AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF POLY(3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE)/FUNCTIONALIZED ETHYLENE COPOLYMER BLENDS

March 1, 2003 By: Dias M L; Giornes A M; Mendes L C Research article

Title: MORPHOLOGY AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF POLY(3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE)/FUNCTIONALIZED ETHYLENE COPOLYMER BLENDS
Page Range: p.189-196
Author(s): Dias M L; Giornes A M; Mendes L C
File size: 92K
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 11
Issue No: No. 3

Abstract
Tests were carried out to determine the morphology and mechanical properties of blends prepared from polyhydroxybutyrate and ionomers formed by copolymerisation of ethylene and methacrylic acid, either in the acid form, or partially neutralised with zinc and sodium. Results revealed that the type of processing and residence time of the components in the equipment, together with the ionomer content, had a great influence on the blend properties. An increase was observed in the molecular weight of polyhydroxybutyrate as the ionomer content increased in the blends, which is reported to indicate that exchange reactions occurred during the mixing process which took place using either an internal mixer or a twin screw extruder. The extent of these reactions and the residence time in the equipment led to variations in the mechanical properties, with the best elongation values obtained using the internal mixer and a higher ionomer content. 11 refs.


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