Reactive compatibilization of polyetherimide with polyamide 6,6: part 1. Effect of functionalizing polyetherimide

Abstract

The functionalized polyetherimides (fPEIs) grafted with maleic anhydride (MA) or glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was synthesized through reactive melt blending. The compatibility and interaction of polyamide 6,6 (PA66) and fPEI in the blends were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, Molau tests, melt flow index, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermal mechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Izod impact strength and heat deflection temperature tests were performed to determine thermal and mechanical properties. The results show that fPEIs can react with the amino end groups in PA66. In this way, the in situ-formed fPEI-g-PA66 copolymer compatibilizer anchors at the interface of PA66/fPEI blends. The morphological study of the fracture sections before and after impact test revealed that the fPEI particles were dispersed uniformly in the PA66 matrix and the interfacial adhesion between PA66 and fPEI was increased significantly. The mechanical properties of the modified blends were enhanced compared with the unmodified PA66/PEI pair due to the improvement in the compatibility between the individual components.