Preparation and properties of reinforced SEBS‐based thermoplastic elastomers modified by PA6

Abstract

AbstractSEBS‐based thermoplastic elastomers modified by PA6 with maleic anhydride grafted copolymer (SEBS‐g‐MAH or PP‐g‐MAH) as the compatibilizer were prepared, and the effects of compatibilizer and PA6 on the mechanical and surface properties of blends were investigated in detail. The dosage ratio of SEBS‐g‐MAH to PA6 at 3:5 is an optimal combination for improving mechanical properties. The maleic anhydride of SEBS‐g‐MAH can react with the terminal amine of PA6 to form the SEBS‐g‐PA6 graft copolymer as a bridge at the phase interface. With the increase of PA6, a typical sea‐island structure gradually appears in the matrix, and when PA6 is 15 phr, the tensile strength and ultimate elongation both reach the maximum of 18.58 MPa and 1097%, and the corresponding wear rate is only 54.4% of that before modification. Furthermore, the addition of PA6 also significantly reduced the contact angle of the blends to below 90°, transforming the hydrophobic surface into a hydrophilic surface. These outcomes provide an effective strategy for reinforcing and modifying the surface properties of thermoplastic elastomers and benefit the development of SEBS in industrial applications.