Peroxide dynamic crosslinking in impact modification of polypropylene with polybutadiene

Polypropylene was blended with polybutadiene in an internal mixer in order to improve its toughness. The rubber content ranged from 10 to 20 wt. % and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was added to provide required radicals for dynamic crosslinking of polybutadiene, and for in-situ compatibilization of the phases. This was done using two sequences of mixing. In addition, zinc dimethacrylate was utilized as a co-agent to control chain scission of PP, enhance the interfacial reactions and increase compatibility of the components. In obtaining the optimum blend, the Taguchi orthogonal experimental design was applied and results of Izod impact strength test were concordantly related to crystallinity of the polypropylene, morphology of the blends and reactions that may occur. The impact strength was increased about four times at best in comparison to the neat polypropylene, showing versatility of this way of toughening which may be improved further.