Comparative Study on the Properties of PVC/TPU Blends Prepared By Single Screw and Twin Screw Extruder

DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/msri/070216

Download this article as: 

In this work, we have compared the mechanical and thermal properties PVC/TPU blends with variable weight ratio prepared using single screw and twin screw extruder. Two grades of TPUs differing in hardness (Shore A hardness 66 and 85) are used in making the blends. The tensile strength of PVC/TPU-1 and PVC/TPU-2 blends obtained from twin screw extruder is higher by 39% - 98% and 89% - 143% than that obtained from single screw extruder, which indicates intimate mixing of two phases in twin screw extruder. Beyond 30 % of TPU content, the blends of TPU-2 (high hardness grade) exhibit relatively high modulus compared to blends of TPU-1. The blends prepared by twin screw extruder were relatively harder. The rebound resilience of blends prepared by twin screw extruder was found to be always more. The rebound resilience of PVC/TPU-1 blends is relatively more compared to PVC/TPU-2 blends due to more number of soft segments in TPU-1. The blends were also characterized by abrasion resistance, MFI, DSC and TEM.

PVC; TPU; hard segment; soft segment; compatibility; extruder; mixing; blending