Deformation and recovery behaviour of thermoplastic vulcanisates

The purpose of this study was to identity key elements in the microstructure of thermoplastic vulcanisates (TPVs) in order to understand better the deformation and recovery characteristics of thermoplastic vulcanisate blends. Thermoplastic vulcanisates based on natural rubber and a thermoplastic (polypropylene) were studied. The rubber was dynamically crosslinked during melt-blending and test specimens were produced by injection moulding and extrusion. Morphological analysis and tensile stress–strain studies were used to investigate the effect of composition, processing and microstructure on the deformation and recovery behaviour of thermoplastic vulcanisate blends. [Continues.]