Recycled High Density Polyethylene/Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Blends: The Effect of Caprolactam- Maleic Anhydride and Polyethylene-grafted- Maleic Anhydride on Tensile Properties and Swelling Behavior

In this study, compatibilizing effects of caprolactam-maleic anhydride (CL-MAH) and polyethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) with different blend compositions on polymer blends of recycled high density polyethylene (RHDPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) blends were investigated by tensile properties and swelling behavior. The use of CL-MAH improved the compatibility of RHDPE80/EVA20 blend composition, and tensile properties of the resultant blend compared well with those of RHDPE/EVA blends. Addition of PE-g-MAH improved the tensile properties of RHDPE/EVA/PE-g-MAH blends than RHDPE/EVA blends without compatibilizer. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphologies of fracture surface for RHDPE/EVA blends with presence of compatibilizers showing better incorporation of two different phases of polymer matrix.