The effect of thermoplastic starch on the properties of polypropylene/high density polyethylene blend reinforced by nano-clay

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) was melt-blended in pairs at a constant of 80:20 (mm) compositions; this blend is prepared by one-step reactive extrusion in a single-screw extruder. The present study aims to investigate the effect of thermoplastic starch (TPS) on the properties of PP and HDPE blend. This later has been investigated in the absence and presence of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA), and reinforced by nano-clay. All the blends/nano-bio-composites were prepared in an internal mixer. The results indicates changes in the blends in terms of morphological, Mechanical, Thermal, structural and rheological properties. However, the different blends and nano-bio-composites were studied by means of Thermogravimetry (TG), Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), Melt flow index (MFI), Izod impact (unnotched) tests, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD).