Preparation of PE/PP blends with microfibrillar-phase morphology

Abstract

Polyethylene/polypropylene blend extrudates with microfibrillar-phase morphology (polypropylene microfibrils reinforcing polyethylene matrix phase) were prepared through continuous extrusion with semihyperbolic-converging die enabling elongation and orientation of macromolecules in flow direction. Structure and thermal properties of extruded profiles were examined using electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry. Tensile tests proved that extrudates with microfibrillar-phase morphology show significantly. higher mechanical properties than conventional extrudates. Presented concept offers possibility of expensive multicomponent medical devices with metal-inlays replacement.