Abstract
Mixing and processing characteristics, mechanical and thermal characteristics of MVQ/PP composites were investigated. Both initial and total torque of these materials are increased with increase in the PP concentration of the blend composite. The area under the torque-time curve represents the mechanical energy cosumed during blending. The energy required for blending decreases with increase in MVQ concentration. A lower value for final torque (viscosity) implies better processibility with lower energy consumption during mixing and further processing such as extrusion, calandering and moulding. Also, with the increased PP in blends, some properties such as, hardness, tensile strength and impact strength are increased in blend materials compared to silicone rubber vulcanizate. The heterogenity of MVQ/PP composites was determined by thermomechanical analysis. MVQ and PP show separate Tgs, which indicates that they are not compatible. These characteristic properties (high softening point, high impact strength, easy and low cost processability) indicate that these composites might replace some vulcanized rubbers and some rigid plastics in applications, especially in the automative industry. Keywords: processing, mechanical properties, blend, composites