Using Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) as a Compatibilizer for PP/PE Blends
Asked by: Anonymous
On: November 07, 2025
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Question
I would like to inquire about the use of a Compatibilizer. Can Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride be effectively used for blending Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE)?
Answer
Yes, Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MAH) is a very common and effective compatibilizer for blends of Polypropylene (PP) and Polyethylene (PE).
Mechanism of Action
- Compatibility with PE: The main backbone of the compatibilizer is Polyethylene (PE), which is highly miscible with the PE phase in the blend.
- Interfacial Adhesion: The grafted Maleic Anhydride (MAH) groups, although polar, help to reduce the interfacial tension between the non-polar PP and PE phases. This improved adhesion prevents phase separation and allows for better dispersion of the two polymers.
- Result: Using PE-g-MAH significantly improves the mechanical properties of the blend, such as impact strength and tensile strength, which is crucial when working with recycled or mixed polyolefin materials.
In summary, PE-g-MAH is an excellent choice for improving the compatibility and performance of PP/PE blends.