Properties and morphology of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and high-densitypolyethylene blends

Blends of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with and without a compatibilizing agent were studied. Both material s are widely used in the soft drink bottle industry. The compatibilizing ag ent was a copolymer of ethylene and methacrylic acid partially neutralized with zinc (Surlyn). The olefinic segment of Surlyn is compatible with HDPE, whereas the Surlyn carboxylic acid groups is affine with the PET carbonyl groups. The effectiveness of the compatibilizing agent was evaluated using different techniques, such as infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical properties. (C) 2 001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.