Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.99, No.1, 335-339, 2006
Studies on novel composites of polyoxymethylene/polyamide 6
A series of new composite of polyoxymethylene/polyamide 6 (POM/PA 6) were synthesized by using s-caprolactam as a reactive solvent with POM soluble in it. Incorporating a small content of POM (1-4 wt %) into PA 6 led to a great improvement of impact resistance POM/PA 6. The effects of POM content on the mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of the composites were investigated. Incorporating minor POM (1 wt %), disposed in finely dispersed level (about 1 mu m), into PA 6 matrix can greatly reduce the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PA 6. Scanning electron microscopy measurements indicated that much microfibers with aspect ratio about 10 appeared with the addition of 3 wt % POM because of the change of phase separation mechanisms. As a result, with a small content of PA 66 (1-4 wt %) incorporated, the impact strength and elongation of POM/PA 6 were improved markedly, with retention of good tensile strength. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Keywords:impact resistance;polyamide;polymerization-induced phase separation;polyoxymethylene;spinodal decomposition