Compatibilization of polyethylene/polyamide 6 blends with oxazoline-functionalized polyethylene and styrene ethylene/butylene styrene copolymer (SEBS)

Abstract

Study was made of the compatibilization of polyethylene/polyamide 6 (PE/PA6) blends with a ricinoloxazoline maleinate grafted polyethylene and styrene ethylene/butylene styrene copolymer. The blends were prepared in a twin-screw midiextruder, and the specimens for mechanical tests were injection molded with a mini-injection molding machine. The effect of compatibilizing on the mechanical properties and the morphology of the blends was studied. The toughness and ductility of the blends were substantially improved as a result of the compatibilization. Simultaneously, the strength and stiffness were slightly reduced. Morphological studies showed that the particle size was reduced and the adhesion of the dispersed phase to the matrix was improved by the compatibilization. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 1443–1450, 1999