Modification of nylon-polyethylene blends via in situ fiber formation

Extrusion of nylon-PE films has resulted in the successful in situ formation of high aspect ratio (possibly continuous) nylon fibers as desired. However, these fibers surprisingly provide no significant reinforcement in uncompatibilized blends. While certain compatibilizing agents appear to give properties more characteristic of a fiber reinforced system, achieving higher levels of reinforcement (approaching those anticipated for fibers containing highly oriented molecules) is judged to be difficult using current methods. Based on analysis of yield stress versus modulus, the act of drawing films appears to have the greatest potential for improving reinforcement beyond the limiting case for unmodified polymers. However, the greatest challenge in realizing this potential lies in overcoming the limited extensibility allowed by nylon under normal conditions.