In situ compatibilization of polyamide 6/natural rubber blends with maleic anhydride

The rheology, thermal and dynamic-mechanical properties and phase morphology of blends of polyamide 6 with natural rubber (NR) are explored. The objective was to investigate in situ formation of a graft copolymer between NR and polyamide 6 during processing. Addition of maleic anhydride (MA) to the rubber was done prior to blending with polyamide 6. During processing MA can react with both NR and polyamide 6 leading to the graft copolymer formation. Molan test was used to confirm this graft copolymer formation. Rheology and thermal properties as well as dynamic-mechanical analysis also indicated the graftization. Blend morphology analysis showed a significant reduction in particle size as the MA was added to the rubber. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.