On the compatibilization of PET/HDPE blends through a new class of copolyesters

Polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polyethylene are incompatible polymers and their blends show, in general, poor properties. Compatibilization is th en a necessary step to obtain blends with good mechanical and barrier prope rties. In this work different compatibilizing agents were used, i.e. a male ic anhydride elastomer and some new products containing graft-copolymers ha ving polyester segments grafted onto polyethylene backbone chains. Both the functionalized elastomer and the new products drastically improve the morp hology and the ductility of the blend. In the case of the modified elastome r the compatibilizing action has been attributed to the formation of II-bon ds whereas the copolymers contained in the new products act as compatibiliz ing agents as they contain polyester segments and polyethylene segments wit h thermodynamic affinity with PET and polyethylene, respectively. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.