Two PP/EPDM blends with 30 wt % of EPDM and different morphologies were selectively crosslinked under a dynamic crosslinking reaction using the N,N'-m-phenylene-bismaleimide/poly(2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2,-dihydroquinoline) system. The resulting Izod impact strengths (IISs) were measured over a range of temperature. A transition point in the IIS curve, which is considered to dependent on the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PP matrix, appeared to decrease by 5°C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the crosslink reaction did not affect the blends' morphology but did increase interfacial adhesion. Increased adhesion is considered to be a most important factor for shifting of the transition point, or apparent Tg, because it increases the free volume of the PP matrix under deformation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Inoue et al. (1996) studied this question.