Abstract: Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene-octene copolymer (POE-g-MAH) was used as a compatibilizer in the blends of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (r-PET) and polypropylene (PP). The effect of POE-g-MAH on the morphology and rheological behavior of the r-PET/PP blends was investigated using SEM and dynamic rheometer, etc. It was found that the average size diameter of PP domains in the blends decreased with increasing POE-g-MAH content. When POE-g-MAH content was 5 wt %, the average size of PP decreased from 2.71±2.65 for uncompatibiliezd blends to 1.18±0.62 μm. In addition, the interface between the two phases became vague, and the Tg of r-PET shifted to lower temperatures, indicating a remarkable improvement of compatibility between r-PET and PP. The addition of POE-MAH increased the entanglement between r-PET and PP leading to a remarkable increase in complex viscosity, storage modulus, loss modulus, as well as the notched impact strength, however, the ?exural strength decreased slightly.

Key words: poly(ethylene terephthalate), polypropylene, morphology, rheological behavior