Thermoplastic Vulcanizates Based On Peroxide Crosslinked Polypropylene and Ethylene Octene Copolymer Blends

Abstract

Novel thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on polypropylene (PP) and new generation ethylene octene copolymer (EOC) have been prepared by dynamic vulcanization process, which involves simultaneous melt mixing and crosslinking of a rubber with a thermoplastic material. The effect of dynamic vulcanization and influence of various types of peroxides were studied in details. Three structurally different peroxides, namely dicumyl peroxide (DCP), tert-butyl cumyl peroxide (TBCP) and di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene (DTBPIB) were taken for investigation. Addition of peroxide in PP/EOC blend involves two major competing reactions: crosslinking in EOC and degradation of PP by β chain-scission. This is the main reason which limits the applicability of peroxide cured TPVs.