Abstract

Thermoplastic vulcanized polybutadiene/high density polyethylene (TPV) (70/30) was prepared using organic peroxide (3%) as vulcanizing agent. A maleated polyethylene (MAPE) was prepared by melt mixing. The percent of maleation found was (1.78%). The percent of maleated polyethylene added to the (TPV) was (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10). The rheological properties were measured at temperature of 140ËšC. Discontinuity of the shear stress vs. shear rate curve appeared for 0, 2, 4 and 6% of the MAPE. While for 8% of the MAPE, the curve was continuous with concavity at the second critical shear stress (τ₂) and a complete elimination of curve discontinuity was reached when using 10% MAPE.

Key words: Polymer melt instabilities, thermoplastic vulcanized, polymer rheology.