Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.60, No.4, 579-590, 1996
Influence of Interfacial Agents on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Binary Polyethylene Polyamide-6 and Ternary Polyethylene Polypropylene Polyamide-6 Blends
Binary low-density polyethylene/polyamide 6 and ternary low-density polyethylene/polypropylene/polyamide 6 blends were prepared by melt mixing, without and with the addition of two different commercial products [poly(ethylene-co-buthylacrylate-co-maleic anhydride) and poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) grafted with maleic anhydride] used as interfacial modifiers. More precisely, the polypropylene was a propylene/ethylene random copolymer, containing 6% by weight of ethylene. The polyamide 6/interfacial agent and polyethylene/interfacial agent systems were also considered. Differential scanning calorimetry, microscopic observations-together with chemical etchings-and mechanical tests supported the occurrence of strong interactions at the interface, especially when using the buthyl acrylate-based agent. The compatibilizing effect of the interfacial agents was also analyzed in the light of interfacial tension determinations. Eventually, low-density polyethylene modifications induced by compatibilization were studied carrying out WAXD analysis.