Effect of compatibilizer addition on the surface nucleation of dispersed polyethylene droplets in a self-nucleated polypropylene matrix

A significant portion of the global plastics market encompasses production polyolefin materials and especially polypropylene (PP) polyethylene (PE), as commodity polymers with a wide range applications. However, increase in generation unsustainable plastic waste requires close technological look-up to address this challenge adequately. In context, mechanical recycling is part strategies expected contribute solution. Nevertheless, melt blending process presents due immiscibility between PP PE. Therefore, compatibilization are meant solve problem effectively. paper, we employ commercial ethylene-ran-methyl acrylate random copolymer compatibilizer for PP/PE blends. With addition compatibilizer, it was possible obtain 44% reduction PE domain size, while ductility increased by around ?40% respect uncompatibilized Interesting results were obtained concerning crystallization behavior The overall isothermal kinetics different blend components studied, synergistic nucleation effect toward phase found. For first time, on surface self-nucleated matrix reported. An enhancement rate found when self-nucleation protocol applied neat compatibilized efficiency 120–124%, indicating supernucleation behavior. induced at interface reason such high efficiencies. Surprisingly, higher amount decreases droplets. segregates both polymers, reducing droplets phase. presented paper lead way improving use post-consumer recycled materials.