Effect of Elastomer on Crystallization, Transparence, Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Transparent PP Containing Nucleating Agent

Blends of isotactic polypropylene (ipp) and nucleating agent with or without the elastomer (POE or SEBS) as a toughening agent were systematically investigated. The influence of the POE and SEBS were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing microscope (PLM), and the optical properties and mechanical properties were also studied. Adddition of elastomers can improve the transparency and crystallization of PP+NA blends and POE was more efficient than SEBS. The POE addition increased the percentage of crystallization (X-c) of PP in PP+NA blends. Crystalline peak temperature (T-p) of PP phase in PP+NA blends increased while POE was added. Optical properties and crystallization were significantly enhanced with POE addition while the addition of SEBS in PP+NA blends did not significantly change transparency of PP phase. The PP+NA blend exhibited poor izod impact strength. Addition of the elastomer (POE or SEBS) to PP+NA increased the impact strength and SEBS blends show a more pronounced increase when comparison with the POE blends.