Compatibilized Blends of Low Density Polyethylene and Poly Dimethyl Siloxane Rubber: Part I: Acid and Alkali Resistance Properties

Acid and alkali resistance properties of cross linked blends of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polydimethyl siloxane rubber (PDMS) have been studied. Ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymer acts as a compatibilizer and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) acts as the crosslinking agent for the blend systems. Tensile properties of the individual components and the blends before and after treatment with different acids and two various concentrations of alkali are reported. Treatment with nitric acid has resulted in severe deterioration of tensile properties of all samples compared to all other acids studied. Retention of tensile properties of all the blends is found to improve significantly as compared to the reference sample, the PDMS rubber. This has been further supported by the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies.