Blends of maleated high density polyethylene with maleated EPDM

Neutralisation of maleated high density polyethylene (mHDPE) with ZnO in th e presence of stearic acid results in an ionomeric plastic. Maleated EPDM ( mEPDM) similarly forms a rubbery ionomer in the same way. Blends of rubbery ionomer of mEPDM and ionomeric plastic based on mHDPE in ratios of 90/ 10 to 50/50 results in the formation of ionic thermoplastic elastomers, Ionome ric blends show higher tensile properties, tear resistance and hardness, bu t lower tension set than corresponding non-ionomeric EPDM/HDPE blends. The rubbery and plastic phases in the blends are immiscible, but the ionic inte ractions in the two phases facilitate formation of a technologically compat ible blend, Conclusions are based on the measurement of physical properties , IR spectroscopic, dynamic mechanical and recyclability studies.