Preparation and applications of OBC/WPS?reinforced master batch for.

A ethylene - octene copolymer (OBC)/waste polystyrene (WPS) compatibilizing masterbatch was prepared through the Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction. The effects of anhydrous; AlCl3 dossage on the grafting rate of WPS and the properties of the masterbatch and the effects of the masterbatch dosage on the comprehensive performance of ethylene -propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) were investigated. The results indicated that WPS could react with OBC to form an OBC-g-WPS graft copolymer. There was no gelation at an anhydrous AlCl3 dosage of 0. 4 and a WPS grafting rate of 25. 3 wt%, resulting in the best comprehensive properties of the masterbatch. When this compatibilizing masterbatch was used for EPDM, the resultant rubber exhibited higher tensile strength, higher tear strength, and better heat aging resistance than pure EPDM vulcanized rubber, and its performance was also better than that of the EPDM containing the same amount of an OBC/WPS physical blend. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that WPS was uniformly dispersed in the vulcanized EPDM rubber with the addition of the OBC/WPS compatibilizing masterbatch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]