Optimization Of Mixing Parameters To Produce PP - Enr Blend Via Response Surface Methodology

Faisal Faris, Rahim (2012) Optimization Of Mixing Parameters To Produce PP - Enr Blend Via Response Surface Methodology. Project Report. UTeM, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Thermoplastic elastomers have become important because they have combination properties of vulcanized rubbers and can be rapidly fabricated as thermoplastic. This research is an effort to explore the potential of polypropylene (PP) when incorporated with ENR. Polypropylene (PP) and epoxidized rubber (ENR) were prepared by melt blending with internal mixer and sulfur curing. Mixer parameter such as the ratio, mixing temperature, mixing time, and rotor speed were optimized with response surface methodology with the assistance of Design Expert 6.0.10 software. The mixing temperature and its interaction terms were identified as insignificant factors with a P value greater than 0.0500. Testing and analysis including density test, melt flow index (MFI), tensile test, hardness test, impact test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed to characterize the properties of PP/ENR. The ENR is proven to increase toughness and flexibility of polypropylene. The optimum calculated values of the tested variables (ratio, temperature, rotor speed and mixing time) for the maximum elongation to break was found to be at ENR of 16.33%, temperature of 170oC, rotor speed of 50 rpm and a mixing time of 6 min with a predicted elongation to break of 11.7171%, compared to 9% of pure PP.

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