Investigating the compatibility of thermoplastic polyester elastomer/high-density polyethylene blends and its effect on the horizontal flame propagation

Abstract

This paper explores the use of a terpolymer, composed of ethylene–butyl acrylate–glycidyl methacrylate (PE–BA–GMA) as a compatibiliser for blending thermoplastic polyester elastomer (Hytrel) and high-density polyethylene. We have studied the effect of adding this terpolymer on the morphology of the blends, and as a result, its effect on the mechanical properties. These properties have been further corroborated with X-Ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (XRD) and Dynamic Rheology of the blends. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been used to study the mode of compatibilisation, while rheology has proved useful to correlate the phase morphology with SEM. We have also studied the effect of compatibilisation of this blend on Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) and horizontal flame velocity.