Gamma radiation of EVA-AA/MMA swollen systems to obtain mechanically improved blends

In this work a "new" way to obtain "compatibilised" blends of rubber-glassy thermoplastic components is presented. Polyethylen-vinyl acetate acrylic acid terpolymer is swollen by methylmetacrylate and the system is irradiated through gamma rays in order to induce polymerisation of the monomer. Solubility and dynamic mechanical tests indicate the formation of a two phase system, even though in presence of strong interactions between the two components. Mechanical tensile behaviour is that of a ductile material with appreciable modulus values.

Characterization of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) modified by ion implantation

Abstract Surface modification of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is induced by ion implantation of different ions at 300 keV energy. The aim of this work was the chemical, physical and mechanical characterization of the modified material in order to know deep inside about the effect of the ion beam upon the polymer. The irradiated surfaces are investigated by Raman spectroscopy, infrared absorption and micro-hardness analysis, scanning electron microscopy. Pin on disc measurements valuated the wear of the UHMWPE against a stainless steel probe; wear resistance increases of about 76% after the ion implantation. This result can be attributed to the ion bombardment inducing a…

Effect of seawater on mechanical properties of composite laminates

On the compatibilization of PET/HDPE blends through a new class of copolyesters

Polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polyethylene are incompatible polymers and their blends show, in general, poor properties. Compatibilization is then a necessary step to obtain blends with good mechanical and barrier properties. In this work different compatibilizing agents were used, i.e. a maleic anhydride elastomer and some new products containing graft-copolymers having polyester segments grafted onto polyethylene backbone chains. Both the functionalized elastomer and the new products drastically improve the morphology and the ductility of the blend. In the case of the modified elastomer the compatibilizing action has been attributed to the formation of H-bonds whereas the copolymers…

Characterization of blends with polyamide 6 and ethylene acrylic acid copolymers at different acrylic acid content

In this work the morphological, calorimetric, rheological and mechanical behaviour and fourier transmission infrared analysis of blends made with polyamide 6 (PA6) and ethylene acrylic acid copolymers (EAA) containing different amount of acrylic acid were investigated. The results observed from the sample characterizations evidenced as acrylic acid cause a compatibilizing effect between polyethylene and polyamide components with modifications of blends morphology and mechanical behaviour. These effects are enhanced with increase of the acrylic acid content in the copolymer and they were attributed generally to hydrogen bond interactions among the acrylic acid group and the functional groups…