Effect of blend ratio on the tear-fracture topography of low-density polyethylene-natural rubber blends

Thermoplastic elastomers are finding wide application because they exhibit properties of vulcanized rubbers but can be rapidly fabricated as thermoplastics. Thermoplastic elastomers from blends of polyolefins and natural rubber have the added advantages of low cost and density. Besides, the properties of these blends can be tailored simply by varing the blend ratio. The present letter reports the results of SEM studies on the effect of blend ratio on the tear-fracture topography of thermoplastic elastomers from low density polyethylene and natural rubber.