Study on morphology and properties of POE-MAH compatibilized NBR/PP thermoplastic elastomer

The reactive compatibilization technology and dynamic vulcanization were applied to prepare nitrile rubber/polypropylene thermoplastic elastomer. To enhance the compatibility, maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin elastomer (POE-MAH) and amino-terminated nitrile rubber (ATBN) were used as compatilizers. The morphology of NBR/PP blends was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystallinity and thermal properties of the blends were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The mechanical properties were also investigated. It was found that the addition of compatilizers was effective to improve the compatibility of NBR/PP blends. SEM micrographs showed fine dispersion and small phase domain.