| Summary: | Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blends were prepared by melt mixing. LLDPE/PVA weight ratios between 90/10 and 40/60 were studied. The effects of the silane coupling agent 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate on processability, gel fraction, component interaction, compatibility, thermal stability, tensile properties, and morphology of the LLDPE/PVA blends were investigated. The results indicated that the presence of silane increased the equilibrium torque of the LLDPE/PVA blends because of crosslinking and better compatibility between LLDPE and PVA. The degree of crosslinking was quantified by gel fraction measurements, and crosslinking was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis. The melting temperature depression of PVA and LLDPE further suggested the formation of crosslinks. The thermal stability and tensile properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus of the blends also increased with the incorporation of silane. Improved compatibility between LLDPE and PVA in the blends with silane was demonstrated by the interconnected rough material observed in scanning electron microscopy images that differed from the morphology of the LLDPE/PVA blends without silane. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2012. Copyright © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers.
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