This article emphasizes the optimization of processing parameters required for the blending of polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS) rubber. Taguchi methodology was adapted as a statistical tool in the design of experiment to optimize processing conditions on the basis of tensile strength and impact strength for 50:50 blend of TPU and PDMS. L9 (33) orthogonal array strategy was utilized for conducting the experiments. The experimental data were transformed into signal-to-noise ratios, based on which each processing parameter has been optimized. Measure of confidence of the results has been studied using standard statistical technique of analysis of variance. From the results, the processing conditions have been optimized.
PaulDRNewmanS. Polymer blends. Vol. 2. New York: Academic Press, 1978.
2.
BonnerJGHopePS. Polymer blends and alloys. London: Chapman Hall, 1993.
3.
WangYZhangQFuQ. Compatibilization of immiscible poly(propylene)/polystyrene blends using clay. Macromol Rapid Commun2003; 24: 231.
4.
KawasumiMHasegawaNKatoMUsukiAOkadaA. Preparation and mechanical properties of polypropylene-clay hybrids. Macromolecules1997; 30: 6333.
5.
UtrackiLAShiZH. Development of polymer blend morphology during compounding in a twin-screw extruder. Part I: Droplet dispersion and coalescence-a review. Polym Eng Sci1992; 32: 1824.
6.
WuS. Phase structure and adhesion in polymer blends: a criterion for rubber toughening. Polymer1985; 26: 1855.
7.
StellJRPaulDRBarlowJW. Mechanical properties of oriented polyethylene/polystyrene blends. Polym Eng Sci1976; 16: 496.
8.
SubramanianPM. Poly (ethylene terephthalate) blends for permeability barrier applications. Polym Eng Sci1987; 27: 1574.
9.
LovingerAJWilliamsML. Tensile properties and morphology of blends of polyethylene and polypropylene. J Appl Polym Sci1980; 25: 1703.
10.
WillisJMFavisBDLuntJ. Reactive processing of polystyrene-co-maleic anhydride/elastomer blends: processing-morphology-property relationships. Polym Eng Sci1990; 30: 1073.
11.
FavisBDTherrienD. Factors influencing structure formation and phase size in an immiscible polymer blend of polycarbonate and polypropylene prepared by twin-screw extrusion. Polymer1991; 32: 1474.
12.
HepburnC. Polyurethane elastomers. New York: Elsevier, 1992.
KimYChoWHaC. Dynamic mechanical and morphological studies on the compatibility of plasticized PVC/thermoplastic polyurethane blends. J Appl Polym Sci1999; 71: 415.
16.
XieJYeHZhangQ. Studies on polymer blends with moderate specific interactions. 2. Phase structure of blends SAN/TPU and SAN/TPU/EVA. Polym Int1997; 44: 35.
17.
KumarGMaheshLNeelakantanNRSubramanianN. Studies on thermal stability and behaviour of polyacetal and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer blends. Polym Int1993; 31: 283.
18.
TangTJingXHuangB. Studies on compatibilization of polypropylene/thermoplastic polyurethane blends and mechanism of compatibilization. J Macromol Sci: Phys1994; 33: 287.
19.
WallheinkeKPotschkePMacoskoCWStutzH. Coalescence in blends of thermoplastic polyurethane with polyolefins. Polym Eng Sci1999; 39: 1022.
20.
LuQWMacoskoCWHorrionJ. Compatibilized blends of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polypropylene. Macromol Symp2003; 198: 221.
21.
WangXLuoX. A polymer network based on thermoplastic polyurethane and ethylene-propylene-diene elastomer via melt blending: morphology, mechanical properties, and rheology. Eur Polym J2004; 40: 2391.
22.
RossPJ. Taguchi techniques for quality engineering. USA: McGraw-Hill, 1995.
23.
RoyR. A primer on the Taguchi method. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1990.
24.
GaitondeVNKarnikSRDavimJP. Taguchi multiple-performance characteristics optimization in drilling of medium density fibreboard (MDF) to minimize delamination using utility concept. J Mater Process Technol2008; 196: 73.
