Mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of (thermoplastic polyurethane)/(chlorinated polyethylene) blends

The preparation and characterization of CPE (chlorinated polyethylene)/TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) blends with various ratios were investigated. The compatibility, morphology, and rheology, as well as the thermal and physico-mechanical properties, were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, universal tensile machine analysis, and capillary rheometry. The results showed that CPE is partially miscible with TPU. The introduction of CPE into TPU resulted in a reduction of the viscosity, tensile strength, tear strength, compression set, abrasion resistance, and hardness, whereas the elongation at break was increased. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the blends underwent two stages of thermal degradation. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:192-197, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers