Processability characteristics and thermal stability of blends of LDPE and EVA copolymer modified with phosphorylated cashew nut shell liquid prepolymer

Melt processability and thermal stability of blends of low density polyethylene and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer modified with different dosages of phosphorylated cashew nut shell liquid (PCNSL) prepolymer have been studied using Brabender Plasticorder and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. In all the blends having varying proportion of blend components, there was a progressive reduction in melt viscosity index with increase in dosage of PCNSL. The reduction in bandwidth of the Brabender torque profiles with increase in dosage of PCNSL from 0 to 10% indicated a decrease in melt elasticity of the blends. The reduction in indices of melt viscosity and melt elasticity of the blends in presence of PCNSL show the plasticizing effect of the additive and the consequent improvement in processability. The improvement in processability of the blends in presence of PCNSL was further evidenced by the decrease in power consumption during mixing. Modification of the blends with PCNSL resulted in significant improvement in thermal stability of the blends as evidenced by the progressive and significant increase in thermal stability index (T-50) and shift in the thermograms to the high temperature region during thermogravimetric analysis.