Interactions of PP-PET blends modified by montmorillonite with different polarities

Abstract This paper describes the effects of adding organic montmorillonite clays (MMT) with different polarities (one polar and one non-polar) in recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polypropylene (PP) blends. Styrene-Ethylene/Butylene-Styrene-maleic anhydride-graft (SEBS-g-MA) was used as a compatibilizer. MMT polarity was chosen based on the expected specific interaction of each clay with PET and PP. Samples were evaluated by wide angle X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis and mechanical tests. The clays caused no statistical change in the mechanical properties high-concentration PET blends, but increased Young’s modulus and decreased the elongation at break, tensile strength and impact strength of high-concentration PP blends. The different interactions between PET and SEBS-g-MA and the level of MMT exfoliation in each polymer-rich phase explained the results.