Preparation and Characterization of PMMA-HDPE and HDPE-PMMA Binary Polymer Blends

Abstract

A comparison was made on the mechanical characteristics of binary blends polymethylmethacrylate/ high density polyethylene (PMMA-%HDPE) and vice versa. Analysis of morphology by SEM has been also accomplished. Preparation of polymer blends was performed using melt mixing method by an extruder. Tensile results showed that binary polymer blends (PMMA-%HDPE) indicated an increment in ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus and shore D hardness compared to (HDPE-%PMMA). The blend of 95%PMMA- 5%HDPE shows superior mechanical properties. SEM results indicated that the prepared blends are not fully compatible with some separated phases of the second polymer dispersed in the matrix.