AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES AND CURING KINETICS OF BLENDS OF LOW-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE AND POLYDIMETHYL SILOXANE RUBBER

Curing reactions of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polydimethylsi loxane (PDMS) rubber blends have been investigated by Differential Sca nning Calorimetry (DSC) and by Rheometry. From the DSC thermograms the kinetic parameters have been calculated. The order of the reaction ha s been found to be first order. The optimum level of peroxide was foun d to be 1.5 pbw. The activation energy of the blends was found to be h igher than that calculated as per additivity rule which is indicative of an interaction of the blends constituents. Improved mechanical prop erties of the blends on curing is indicative of cure compatibility of the blends. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.