Mechanical properties and morphology of PA6/EVA blends

The mechanical properties of blends of polyamide6 (PA6) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) at a blending composition of 0-50 wt % EVA were studied. The notched Izod impact strength of PA6 increased with the incorporation of EVA, the increase being more than 100% compared to PA6 at 10% EVA. The tensile strength and the tensile modulus of the blends decreased steadily as the weight percent of EVA increased. Analysis of the tensile data using predictive theories indicated the extent of the interaction of the dispersed phase and the matrix up to 20 wt % EVA. SEM studies of the cryogenically fractured surfaces indicated increase in the dispersed phase domain size with EVA concentrations. On the other hand, impact fractured surfaces of PA6/ EVA blends indicated debonding of EVA particles, leaving hemispherical bumps, indicating inadequate interfacial adhesion between PA6 and EVA. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.