Morphology and mechanical properties of Nylon 6 toughened with waste poly(vinyl butyral) film

Abstract

Phase morphology and mechanical properties of the blends of Nylon 6 with scrap poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) film and poly[styrene-block-(ethylene-co-butene)-block-styrene] (SEBS) have been investigated. Scanning electron microscopic photographs revealed that the spherical PVB particles are finely and uniformly dispersed in the Nylon 6 matrix without changing the shape of the particles. The average particle sizes in all over the blend compositions for Nylon 6/PVB were slightly increased with PVB content, but the dispersed phase is tightly adhered to the matrix phase, with PVB content in the range of 20–35 wt % PVB. Elongation at break and notched Izod impact strength of all the blends were enhanced, which implies good interfacial adhesion. The rubberlike PVB film adhering to the Nylon 6 phase is suggested to give an improved impact strength and toughness. In particular, the optimum PVB content for the best impact strength is found to be in the vicinity of 20–35 wt %, and this composition exhibits better moisture resistance than the other blend compositions. All of the blends up to 35 wt % PVB show higher mechanical properties than those of Nylon 6 blended with conventional impact modifier SEBS. Thus, plasticized PVB film, which is recycled from the process of automobile safety glasses, is applicable as an impact modifier or a toughening agent of Nylon 6. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 67:1531–1540, 1998