Rheological Study of MALDPE/PAA Blend

Abstract

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.