Abstract

ROSALES, CARMEN et al. Study of ternary blends of Polyamide-6 with Polyethylenes. Rev. Fac. Ing. UCV [online]. 2007, vol.22, n.4, pp.13-23. ISSN 0798-4065.

In this work, the compatibility in blends of Polyamide 6 (PA) and three different Polyethylenes, High-Density (HDPE), Low- Density (LDPE) and Linear Low-Density (LLDPE) polyethylenes, was studied. A copolymer of styrene/ethylene-butylene/ styrene functionalized with diethyl maleate (SEBS-g-DEM) was used as compatibilizing agent. The characterization of the blends was carried out using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and through notched-Izod impact tests. Results from selective extraction tests displayed that interactions between PA and SEBS-g-DEM groups are likely present. Through DSC results, the fractionated crystallization phenomenon of the PA was unfolded, only in those blends where the PA was the dispersed phase. In general, an enhancement in the impact resistance of those reactive blends where LLDPE was used as the matrix was obtained. SEM analyses of the fractured surfaces of the blends showed that the incorporation of SEBS-g-DEM as compatibilizing agent produced a significant decrease in the particle size of the dispersed phase.

Keywords : Polyamide; Polyethylene; Reactive blends; Reactive extrusion; Functionalization.