Abstract: The alloy separation during the preparation of polymer/SnZn alloy was studied. The effects of composition and content of SnZn alloy, the internal mixing process parameters, as well as polymer matrix on the amount of alloy separation were investigated. When the alloy loading was low, no alloy separation occurred. When the content of SnZn alloy was high, the separation increased with increasing SnZn alloy. The separation could be inhibited by a higher proportion of Zn in the alloy. Elevating mixing temperature may also suppress the alloy separation. With increasing mixing speed, the alloy separation increased, however, the size of alloy particles was reduced. The optimal mixing time of the alloy (Zn 30 wt%) and PEHD was 35 min. Higher polarity of the polymer could restrain the alloy separation.

Key words: Sn-Zn alloy, alloy separation, polymer