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.
