Reactive processing of PA6/EPDM‐MA blends as modifier for application and development of high‐performance polypropylene

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, PA6/EPDM‐MA was added as an impact modifier for high‐performance polypropylene (PP) production. PA6/EPDM‐MA compounds were processed in an internal mixer, aiming at chemical reaction between maleic anhydride of EPDM‐MA and the amine terminal groups of PA6. Afterward, PP/(PA6/EPDM‐MA) blends were processed by extrusion and injection molding. Rheological properties were evaluated using torque rheometry; additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Molau test, impact and tensile strengths, Shore D hardness, thermal deflection temperature, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, water absorption, contact angle, and scanning electron microscopy tests were performed in injected specimens. PP/(PA6/EPDM‐MA) with 70/(15/15)% displayed quite high increase in impact and elongation at break, with gains of 850% and 265%, compared to neat PP. There were no drastic losses in tensile strength, elastic modulus, and Shore D hardness, due to PA6 addition. A significant increase was seen in the thermal stability of PP/(PA6/EPDM‐MA), corroborating the increase in structural stability seen in HDT. SEM images showed high interfacial adhesion between PP and PA6/EPDM‐MA corroborating higher mechanical properties. Summing up, PA6/EPDM‐MA premix acted as an efficient impact modifier for PP. Acquired data show that P6/EPDM‐MA system was effective in developing high‐performance PP with potential for application in the automotive and electronics industries.