Structure-Property Correlation in PTT/PP Blends with Improved Mechanical Performance

Notice

This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 03 | Page :
    By

    Shrikant Deo,

  • Swamini Chopra,

  • Kavita Pande,

  • J. D. Ekhe,

  • Dilip Peshwe,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  2. Chief Technical Officer, Matverse Vision Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  3. Director, Matverse Vision Pvt. Ltd., Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  4. Professor, Department of Chemistry, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
  5. Professor (HAG) and HOD, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The present work investigates a series of poly (trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/polypropylene (PP) blends prepared with varying PP concentrations in order to improve the overall performance of PTT, particularly with respect to mechanical properties and processability. PTT is a promising engineering thermoplastic owing to its balanced stiffness, resilience, and chemical resistance; however, its relatively high cost and processing limitations often restrict its wider application. In this context, blending with PP offers a practical and economical route to tailor its properties and extend its application potential. A systematic study of the prepared PTT/PP blends demonstrates that the incorporation of PP significantly influences the performance of the base polymer. Mechanical characterization (Tensile, Impact and hardness) reveals that the blends exhibit improved properties compared with neat PTT, indicating that the addition of PP contributes positively to the strength–performance balance of the material. Thermal and structural investigations using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirm that the fundamental structural integrity and crystalline characteristics of PTT remain substantially preserved after blending with PP. This suggests that the incorporation of PP does not adversely disturb the essential structural framework of the PTT matrix. Furthermore, the Melt Flow Index (MFI) analysis showed that the PTT/PP blends flow more easily than pure PTT, indicating improved processability and easier fabrication by conventional processing methods. The results also suggest that the interaction between PTT and PP is not merely a simple physical mixing phenomenon; rather, a degree of synergistic interaction exists between the two polymers, contributing to the observed property enhancement. Overall, the study establishes that the addition of small amounts of PP, particularly in the range of 5–10 wt.%, is beneficial for improving both the processing behavior and mechanical performance of PTT, leading to the development of a more versatile and industrial application oriented polymer blend system.

Keywords: PTT, polypropylene, polymer blends, mechanical properties, processability

How to cite this article:
Shrikant Deo, Swamini Chopra, Kavita Pande, J. D. Ekhe, Dilip Peshwe. Structure-Property Correlation in PTT/PP Blends with Improved Mechanical Performance. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-.
How to cite this URL:
Shrikant Deo, Swamini Chopra, Kavita Pande, J. D. Ekhe, Dilip Peshwe. Structure-Property Correlation in PTT/PP Blends with Improved Mechanical Performance. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(03):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=243126


References

[1] Grand View Research. Plastic market size, share and growth [2023 global report] [Internet]. Available from: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/global-plastics-market
[2] Polymer Database. PTT [Internet]. Available from: https://polymerdatabase.com/Polymer%20Brands/PTT.html
[3] Development of PBT/recycled-PET blends and the influence of using chain extender [Internet]. Available from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10924-019-01435-w
[4] Szostak M. Mechanical and thermal properties of PET/PBT blends. Mol Cryst Liq Cryst. 2004;416:209-215.
[5] Wang D, Yang B, Chen QT, et al. A facile evaluation on melt crystallization kinetics and thermal properties of low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) blends. Adv Ind Eng Polym Res. 2019;2:126-135.
[6] Salakhov II, Shaidullin NM, Chalykh AE, et al. Low-temperature mechanical properties of high-density and low-density polyethylene and their blends. Polymers. 2021;13:1821.
[7] Sanchez EMS. Ageing of PC/PBT blend: mechanical properties and recycling possibility. Polym Test. 2007;26:378-387.
[8] Sanchez P, Remiro PM, Nazabal J. Physical properties and structure of unreacted PC/PBT blends. J Appl Polym Sci. 1993;50:995-1005.
[9] Pandim T, de Oliveira KS, Araujo JA, et al. Indentation, creep and axial-torsional fretting wear analysis of PC/ABS blends. Tribol Int. 2023;183:108763.
[10] Krache R, Debah I. Some mechanical and thermal properties of PC/ABS blends. Mater Sci Appl. 2011;2:404-410.
[11] Diaz MF, Barbosa SE, Capiati NJ. Improvement of mechanical properties for PP/PS blends by in situ compatibilization. Polymer. 2005;46:6096-6101.
[12] Zander NE, Gillan M, Burckhard Z, Gardea F. Recycled polypropylene blends as novel 3D printing materials. Addit Manuf. 2019;25:122-130.
[13] Tanaka Y, Sako T, Hiraoka T, Yamaguchi M. Effect of morphology on shear viscosity for binary blends of polycarbonate and polystyrene. J Appl Polym Sci. 2020;137:49516.
[14] Kunori T, Geil PH. Morphology-property relationships in polycarbonate-based blends. J Macromol Sci Part B. 1980;18:93-134.
[15] Liu BW, Zhao HB, Chen L, et al. Eco-friendly synergistic cross-linking flame-retardant strategy with smoke and melt-dripping suppression for condensation polymers. Compos Part B Eng. 2021;211:108664.
[16] Wang K, Zhu H, Zheng S, et al. Dual-exterior surface modification of layered double hydroxides and its application in flame retardant biobased poly(trimethylene terephthalate). J Appl Polym Sci. 2022;139:e53059.
[17] Zargar MRH, Mousavi SR, Ebrahimzade A, et al. Environmentally friendly polypropylene/poly(trimethylene terephthalate) blend fibers: resiliency and dyeability. J Elastomers Plast. 2023;55:244-261.
[18] Sag J, Goedderz D, Kukla P, et al. Phosphorus-containing flame retardants from biobased chemicals and their application in polyesters and epoxy resins. Molecules. 2019;24:3746.
[19] Hema S, Sambhudevan S, Sreelekshmi C, et al. Industrial applications of PTT-based polymer blends, composites, and nanocomposites. In: Ajitha AR, Thomas S, editors. Poly Trimethylene Terephthalate. Singapore: Springer Nature; 2023. p. 217-236.
[20] Rex WJ, Tennant DJ. Polymeric linear terephthalic esters. US Patent 2465319; 1949.
[21] Chuah HH, Dangayach K, Ramachandran V. Polymer composition containing flame retardant and process for producing the same. US Patent US20080132620A1; 2008.
[22] Madeleine DG. Flame retardant poly(trimethylene terephthalate) compositions. US Patent US20110159232A1; 2011.
[23] Padee S, Thumsorn S, On JW, et al. Preparation of poly(lactic acid) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) blend fibers for textile application. Energy Procedia. 2013;34:534-541.
[24] Kultravut K, Kuboyama K, Ougizawa T. Annealing effect on tensile property and hydrolytic degradation of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) reactive blend with poly(trimethylene terephthalate). Polym Degrad Stab. 2020;179:109228.
[25] Xue ML, Yu YL, Chuah HH, et al. Miscibility and compatibilization of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene blends. Eur Polym J. 2007;43:3826-3837.
[26] Wang KY. Morphology and crystallization behavior of PTT blends with PTW. Key Eng Mater. 2018;777:90-94.
[27] Sharma R, Jain P, Dey Sadhu S. Study of morphological and mechanical properties of PBT/PTT blends and their nanocomposites and their correlation. Arab J Sci Eng. 2019;44:1137-1150.
[28] Braga NF, LaChance AM, Liu B, et al. Influence of compatibilizer and carbon nanotubes on mechanical, electrical, and barrier properties of PTT/ABS blends. Adv Ind Eng Polym Res. 2019;2:121-125.
[29] Kiziltas A, Gardner DJ, Han Y, Yang HS. Determining the mechanical properties of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)-filled PET-PTT blend composites. Wood Fiber Sci. 2010;42.
[30] Lin SW, Cheng YY. Miscibility, mechanical and thermal properties of melt-mixed poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/polypropylene blends. Polym-Plast Technol Eng. 2009;48:827-833.
[31] Xie Q, Hu X, Hu T, et al. Polytrimethylene terephthalate: an example of an industrial polymer platform development in China. Macromol React Eng. 2015;9:401-408.
[32] Callister WD Jr, Rethwisch DG. Callister’s materials science and engineering. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons; 2020.
Bhansali K, Keche AJ, Gogte CL, Chopra S. Effect of grain size on Hall-Petch relationship during rolling process of reinforcement bar. Mater Today Proc. 2020;26:3173-3178.
[33] Deshmukh KA, Chopra S, Khajanji P, et al. Effectiveness of cryogenic treatment on PBT composites: prediction of interfacial interaction parameter and its influence on filler bonding and wear performance. Polym Bull. 2022;79:381-405.
[34] Pande K, Chopra S, Deshmukh AD, et al. Cryogenic treatment: processing segment to tailor the interface and improve mechanical performance of impact modified PET/PBT blends. Results Mater. 2023;20:100451.
[35] Palanisamy S, Kalimuthu M, Azeez A, Palaniappan M, Dharmalingam S, Nagarajan R, Santulli C. Wear properties and post-moisture absorption mechanical behavior of kenaf/banana-fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Fibres. 2022;10(4):32.
[36] Aruchamy K, Karuppusamy M, Krishnakumar S, Palanisamy S, Jayamani M, Sureshkumar K, Ali SK, Al-Farraj SA. Enhancement of mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites using palmyra palm and coconut sheath fibers: the role of tamarind shell powder. BioResources. 2025;20(1):698-724.
[37] Ayrilmis N, Kanat G, Yildiz Avsar E, Palanisamy S, Ashori A. Utilizing waste manhole covers and fibreboard as reinforcing fillers for thermoplastic composites. J Reinf Plast Compos. 2025;44(17-18):1108-1118.
[38] Ramasubbu R, Kayambu A, Palanisamy S, Ayrilmis N. Mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with Areca catechu fibers containing silicon carbide. BioResources. 2024;19(2):2353-2370.
[39] Palanisamy S, Murugesan TM, Palaniappan M, Santulli C, Ayrilmis N. Fostering sustainability: the environmental advantages of natural fiber composite materials – a mini review. Environ Res Technol. 2024;7(2):256-269.

Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
03
Received 06/03/2026
Accepted 11/04/2026
Published 06/05/2026
Publication Time 61 Days
35

Login


My IP

PlumX Metrics