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

• Published in: Journal of vinyl & additive technology 2021-11, Vol.27 (4), p.736-756
• Main Authors: Luna, Carlos Bruno Barreto, Siqueira, Danilo Diniz, Silva Barbosa Ferreira, Eduardo, Araújo, Edcleide Maria, Wellen, Renate Maria Ramos
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemical reactions; Contact angle; Data acquisition; Elongation; Extrusion molding; Fourier transforms; high‐performance blends; Impact modifiers; Injection molding; Interface stability; Maleic anhydride; Mechanical properties; Modulus of elasticity; Polymer blends; Polypropylene; PP/(PA6/EPDM‐MA); Reactive processing; Rheological properties; Rheometry; Structural stability; Tensile strength; Thermal stability; Thermogravimetry; Water absorption
• ISSN: 1083-5601; 1548-0585
• DOI: 10.1002/vnl.21846

In 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. Flowchart of the processing of PP/(PA6/EDPM‐MA) blends.