MODIFICATION AND COMPATIBILIZATION OF NYLON-6 WITH FUNCTIONALIZED STYRENIC BLOCK-COPOLYMERS

Much work in recent years had focused on the improvements of the impact properties of engineering thermoplastics by the addition of a low modulus modifier that contains polar moieties as a result of polymerization or that has been modified to contain polar moieties as a result of various grafting techniques. Styrenic block copolymers (styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene) functionalized with maleic anhydride have proved useful as impact modifiers and compatibilizers in blends with engineering thermoplastics. This paper focuses on the use of these functionalized elastomers to modify nylon 6. In such compositions, a nylon material with unique mechanical performance may be achieved using the functionalized elastomer either alone or in combination with an unfunctionalized styrenic block copolymer. The optimization of performance in these rubber toughened polyamide blends using various types of styrenic block copolymers is discussed. The morphology as it pertains to performance is also reviewed. The information contained herein may prove useful in obtaining a better understanding of the mechanisms of compatibilization and modification of nylon 6 systems.