Highly filled polyolefin plastomer formulations for possible PVC replacement in flooring

Calcium carbonate highly filled composites of a polyolefin plastomer (POP), and its blends with postconsumer linear low-density or high-density polyet hylene (PC-LLDPE or PC-HDPE) were prepared and evaluated. The mechanical pr operties of compounded POP and its blends were compared with those of a PVC -calcium carbonate formulation used for flooring applications. Tensile and impact properties of calcium carbonate-filled POP composites compare very f avorably to the PVC-based formulation at filler loadings as high as 200 phr . Moreover, postconsumer LLDPE or HDPE can replace at least 50% of the POP in these composites without affecting their main properties. DSC analyses i ndicate that the synergism occurring in mechanical properties for some of t he blend compositions, may be related to the ability of the individual poly mers to cocrystallize in the respective blends. This article presents the r esults of a preliminary study. Continued research is expected to contribute toward a complete characterization of the compounded POP/postconsumer PE b lends to establish if they can replace plasticized PVC compounds in some or all flooring applications. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.