Study on ester-amide exchange reactions between Nylon 1010 and Ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber with different metal derivatives

Abstract

Ester-exchange reaction was a useful method to improve the compatibility of polymer blends. In this article, ester-amide exchange reaction between Nylon 1010 and Ethylene-vinyl acetate rubber (EVM) was studied in the presence of different Ti and Zn derivatives as catalysts. The chemical reactions were studied by 1H NMR. Catalytic activities of Ti(OBu)4, TiO(OOCCH3)2, ZnO and Zn(OOCCH3)2 were compared and Ti(OBu)4 showed the highest catalytic reactivity. Melt flow index (MFI) of Nylon 1010/EVM blends indicated that crosslinking and degradation took place in the reactive blends. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) provided the evidence for the degradation behavior during melt blending. SEM images showed that the compatibility of the blends was improved at the presence of catalyst. SAXS results showed that the long period of Nylon 1010/EVM decreased after adding Ti(OBu)4, implying the formation of imperfect crystallites in Nylon 1010/EVM/Ti(OBu)4 blend.