Applications of Polymer Blends

The worldwide commercialization of polymer blends has been directed at the replacement of traditional materials, such as metals and ceramics. Even though plastics can be more costly than other types of materials on a weight basis, they are often more economical in terms of production and manufacturing cost, mainly attributed to the less complex assembly of plastic parts that can be easily formed in complex-finished shapes [1, 21-26], Blending is a convenient route to the time-efficient and cost-effective upgrading of commodity resins and to the tailoring of these resins to specific performance profiles for the desired application. The most common polymer blends and their applications are described below. 

PPE/PA. It features good chemical resistance, high continuous use temperature, high deflection temperature under 

PET/PBT (Polyethylene TerephthalatdPolybutylene Terephthalate). Good colorability, excellent surface aesthetics, chemical resistance, gloss, good impact, and electrical properties. Applications include appliances, electrical applications, building, and construction. 

PBT/Elastomers. It features chemical resistance, high notch Izod impact strength, and heat resistance. 

PET/Elastomers. This blend features good stiffness, impact strength, and processability. Applications are in the automotive sector, such as in body parts, steering wheels, and under-the-hood components. 

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Mohammed, Z. H., Hember, M. W. N., Richardson, R. K., and Morris, E. R. 1998. Application of polymer blending laws to composite gels of agarose and crosslinked waxy maize starch. Carbokydr. Polym. 36 27-36. 

The science and technology of polymer blends has now acquired an important position in the area of development of new polymeric materials. Moreover, the application of polymer blends has increased significantly and is expected to continue to grow. Of the total consumption of engineering polymers, more than 20 percent is currently thought to be composed of blends with important and various applications in the automotive, electrical and electronic industry, in computer and business equipment housings, in medical components, etc. Annually about 4900 patents related to polymer blends are published world-wide. 

One of the more recent applications of polymer blends and alloys is in plastics recycling. The current solid waste crisis has resulted in public demands for industrial solutions that would result in a reduction of all landfilled solid waste, while minimizing alternate negative environmental impact. It has been perceived by the public that plastic materials account for the overwhelming majority of the landfilled solid mass, when plastics account for only approximately 7 wt% of 18 vol%. 

Knowledge of thermodynamics is a necessary tool for describing and understanding the physical behavior of new polymers and polymer blends, such as, for instance, compatibility of components, rheological properties, morphological features, and mechanical properties. This book summarizes in a fairly comprehensive manner the recent technical research accomplishments in the area of thermodynamics, characterizations, and applications of polymer blends. 

Applications of Polymer Blends Commercial Polymer Blends Compounding Polymer Blends... 

Some special test methods which have illuminated the applications of polymer blends are grouped together towards the end, viz., aroma barrier test, permeation test for liquids, and environmental stress cracking, which are special in nature but not really obtained the status of ASTM or BS methods. Nevertheless, they are used in industry as they meet the special application requirements of these wonderful materials. The chapter concludes with a discussion of these aspects. 

This chapter builds on the information contained on the same subject in Chap. 13 of the first edition of the Polymer Blends Handbook by providing an overview of current applications of polymer blends and alloys with an outlook towards developing areas. A dual approach employed herein to portray the field covers both a description of polymer blend technologies directed toward solving application issues related to societal megatrends, as well as the generic performance/ testing specifications required for products in broad areas of conunerce amenable to polymer blend applications. 

As automobiles become more reliant on microprocessors and electrical power, the application of polymer blends to housings for electronic components continues to increase. Key requirements for these applications can include electromagnetic shielding and electrostatic discharge. 

The applications of polymer blend made from NR are listed in Table 19.6." The possible IPN from NR and PSf containing natural fibre... 

Table 19.6 Possible application of polymer blend based on NR.

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