Reactive blending of polyamides with epoxidized elastomers

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2007-06, Vol.104 (5), p.2992-3000
• Main Authors: Steller, Ryszard T., Micewicz, Ewa, Meissner, Wanda
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: aliphatic polyamides; Applied sciences; butadiene-styrene copolymers; Chemical modifications; Chemical reactions and properties; epoxidation; Exact sciences and technology; melt blending; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; polybutadiene
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.24368

Melt blending of aliphatic polyamides (PA6, PA66, PA12) with epoxidized and nonepoxidized elastomers (SBS, BS, PB) was investigated. IR and rheological studies have shown that epoxidized elastomers can simultaneously react both with polyamides and within their own phases during melt blending. Relative intensity of both processes is the main factor, which determines structure and properties of blends. SEM observations indicated that use of epoxidized elastomers improves blend homogeneity and decreases mean size of dispersed elastomer phase in comparison with nonepoxidized elastomers. Mechanical properties of epoxidized elastomers based blends are generally better with respect to similar blends with nonepoxidized elastomers. They depend on blend composition and type of polyamide and elastomer. Elastomer addition decreases tensile strength of all systems but in some cases, a considerable rise of impact strength was measured. Epoxidized SBS block copolymer was found to be the most effective modifier, especially with respect to PA6 and PA12. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007