Ternary reactive blends of nylon-6 matrix with dispersed rigid brittle polymer and elastomer

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 1999-11, Vol.74 (6), p.1404-1411
• Main Authors: Kelnar, I., Stephan, M., Jakisch, L., Fortelný, I.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical properties; nylon-6; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Properties and characterization; reactive compatibilization; ternary blend; toughening
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4628(19991107)74:6<1404::AID-APP12>3.0.CO;2-H

Except by elastomers, the toughness of nylon‐6 (N‐6) can be improved by the addition of rigid poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) (SMA). In this case, strength and stiffness are also enhanced. Combination of SMA with maleated ethylene‐propylene rubber or styrene‐ethene/butene‐styrene with a total content below 15% gives a ternary blend having a toughness level close to elastomer toughening, whereas the strength and stiffness reached at least the Nylon‐6 values. An explanation is a synergistic combination of both elastomer and rigid polymer toughening mechanisms. An opposite effect on mechanical behavior was found with high contents of both additives. Except for worsened strength and stiffness, in some cases, a higher elastomer content even did not enhance the toughness. This effect can be explained by too fine phase structure found, causing the matrix ligament dimension to be below its minimum critical value. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 1404–1411, 1999