Effect of LLDPE-g-MA on the rheological, thermal, mechanical properties and morphological characteristic of PA6/LLDPE blends

Abstract

The development of polyamide 6 (PA6) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) blends is of great technological interest, as they have the potential to combine the good mechanical and thermal properties of PA6 with the high impact properties and good processability of the LLDPE. However, these two polymers are chemically and structurally different and therefore immiscible, and in general incompatible. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of maleic anhydride-grafted linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE-g-MA) as compatibilizer agent on rheological, thermal, mechanical and morphological properties of PA6/LLDPE blends. PA6/LLDPE blends with different contents of LLDPE (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt%) and with the addition of LLDPE-g-MA (5 wt%) were prepared in a twin screw extruder and the thermal and mechanical analysis were performed. The addition of LLDPE-g-MA as compatibilizer agent resulted in a better distribution and dispersion of LLDPE in PA6 matrix and a significant improvement in mechanical and thermal properties. The addition of the compatibilizer agent increased 160% the impact strength for the 50/50 (PA6/LLDPE) blend.