Evaluation of process parameters using Taguchi methodology for blends of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) rubber

Processing parameters such as temperature, rotor speed and time of melt blending have been optimised using design of experiments as per the Taguchi methodology at a blend ratio of low density polyethylene (LDPE)/polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) of 50∶50. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength, hardness and phase morphology of the blends have been evaluated at different temperatures, rotor speeds and times for assessing the optimisation of the processing parameters. The formation of a finer dispersed phase morphology in case of the LD 508 and LD 509 blend mix is an indication of good dispersion and narrow size distribution of the PDMS rubber in the LDPE matrix. It has been found that the LD 509 mix gives a better dispersion of silicone rubber as the dispersed phase in the continuous LDPE matrix. Analysis of variance on the performance characteristic has been analysed using signal to noise ratios and mean response data.