Rheological characterization of interfacial crosslinking in blends of reactive copolymers.

The interfacial crosslinking reaction in molten blends of mio functionalize d ethylene copolymers was followed by rheological measurements. The blends were directly prepared in the rheometer. Due to the low melting temperature of the blend components, it was possible to carry out separately the mixin g by steady shearing at low temperature, and the interfacial reaction follo wed by small amplitude dynamic measurements at higher temperatures. The inf luence of several parameters on the interfacial reaction was studied: the r eaction temperature, the amount of shear during mixing, the blend compositi on and the compatibility and reactivity of the blend components.