The role of synthetic P (MMA-co-MAH) as compatibilizer in the preparation of chlorinated polyethylene/polysodium acrylate water-swelling rubber

By multicomponent mechanical blending technology, water-swelling rubber (WSR) was prepared through choosing chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), a superabsorbent polymer (cross-linking poly(sodium acrylate), CPNaAA), and compatibilizer (poly(methyl methacrylate-co-maleic anhydride), P (MMA-co-MAH)) along with other minor additives. P (MMA-co-MAH) was synthesized by grafting maleic anhydride (MAH) onto methyl methacrylate (MMA). Microstructure, water-absorbent properties, and mechanical properties of WSR were investigated. The results showed that P (MMA-co-MAH) boosted the dispersibility between CPNaAA and CPE and led to the increase in Shore A hardness, tensile strength, tensile stress at 100%, and water-swelling behavior, whereas the elongation at break and weight loss were decreased with P (MMA-co-MAH) content. When the content of P (MMA-co-MAH) reached 8 phr, the tensile strength, hardness, and water-swelling ability of dry-state WSR exhibited a maximum value and the percentage loss ratio of CPNaAA reached a relatively low value.