The effect of physical compatibilization and dynamic vulcanization on the properties of thermoplastic vulcanizates derived from polypropylene and natural rubber blends.

This study focuses on the effects of Maleic Anhydride-grafted-Polypropylene/Epoxidized Natural Rubber (PP-g-MA/ENR) as a dual compatibilizing agent on the rheological, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and morphological properties of 30/70 polypropylene/natural rubber (PP/NR) thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) blends. The research demonstrates that chemical interactions between the maleic anhydride groups in PP-g-MA and epoxy groups in ENR enhance interfacial adhesion, leading to increased viscosity, improved tensile strength, and finer dispersion of vulcanized rubber particles within the PP matrix. Dynamic vulcanization using sulfur-donor curing agents further influences crosslinking density, as evidenced by swelling index measurements. Characterization techniques including FTIR spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy collectively reveal that higher compatibilizer concentrations and epoxidation levels in ENR contribute to superior mechanical performance and morphological uniformity in the TPV blends.