Rheological Study of MALDPE/PAA Blend

Abstract

The effect of polyacryclic acid (PAA) on rheological properties of maleated
low density polyethylene (MALDPE) was studied. The presence of maleic
anhydride (MAH) on the LDPE backbone increase the interface interaction via
chemical or physical interactions between the polymers in the blend.FTIR
spectroscopy of the MALDPE, PAA and MALDPE/PAA shows new peak shifted
to lower frequency. The shear stress, shear rate, apparent viscosity and swelling
ratio were evaluated using Instron capillary Rheometer. For all samples the
rhological properties measured at 170oC and various cross head speed. The results
showed increasing shear stress and decreasing apparent viscosity when shear rate
increase. At higher PAA weight content the die swell for all blends reduced.