Utilization of agrowaste polymers in PVC/NBR alloys: Tensile, thermal, and morphological properties

Abstract

Poly(vinyl chloride)/nitrile butadiene rubber (PVC/NBR) alloys were melt-mixed using a Brabender Plasticorder at 180 °C and 50rpm rotor speed. Alloys obtained by melt mixing from PVC and NBR were formulated with wood-flour- (WF-) based olive residue, a natural byproduct from olive oil extraction industry. WF was progressively increased from 0 to 30phr. The effects of WF loadings on the tensile properties of the fabricated samples were inspected. The torque rheometry, which is an indirect indication of the melt strength, is reported. The pattern of water uptake for the composites was checked as a function WF loading. The fracture mode and the quality of bonding of the alloy with and without filler are studied using electron scanning microscope (SEM). © Copyright 2012 Ahmad Mousa et al.