The Effects of PP-g-MA on the Physical Properties and Morphology of Polypropylene (PP)/Recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Rubber (rNBR) Blends

Polypropylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) was used to enhance the compatibility of polypropylene (PP) and recycled acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (rNBR) blends. The blends were prepared by melt mixing using a Haake Rheomix Polydrive R 600/610 mixer at 180 degrees C. The processing torque was used to investigate the mixing process. The better mixing of compatibilized blends (PP/rNBR-MA) was evidence by the higher stabilization torque. Compared to uncomapatibilized PP/rNBR blends, tensile properties and oil resistance of compatibilized PP/rNBR were improved. SEM micrographs of tensile fractured surfaces showed better dispersion and better interfacial adhesion between the phases of compatibilized blends compared to uncompatibilized counterparts.