Preparation and properties of polar polypropylene blends containing phenolic resin

It is often pointed out that low water absorption and moisture permeability are drawbacks of polypropylene (PP). In this study, blending with an amorp hous polymer was used to modify PP. For improving the properties of PP with out any property depression, PP was blended with phenolic resin-Novolak typ e (PRN). PP/PRN blends were investigated by a contact angle test for surfac e properties to determine whether PP had hygroscopic characteristics due to the existence of PRN in the blends. In addition, for the sake of efficient investigation in this blend, chemical structure, mechanical measurement, t hermal analysis, and morphological observations were also studied. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.