Influence of a Multifunctional Epoxy Additive on the Performance of Polyamide 6 and PET Post-Consumed Blends during Processing

Abstract

In this study, a commercial chain extender (Polyad PR 002) in concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% w/w was used as a compatibilizer in post-consumed PET/PA6 blends (25/75, 50/50 e 75/25) processed in a laboratory mixer. The degradation rate, phase miscibility, chemical interaction, crystallization, and melting behavior, as well as the thermal stability of the mixtures, were analyzed by torque rheometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetry (TGA), respectively. The results showed that the addition of 1% chain extender was sufficient to increase the melt viscosity of the PET-rich mixtures and 1.5% for the PA6-rich samples. Clearly, adding Polyad PR 002 to PET/PA6 blends improves polymer compatibility; for the 25%PET/75%PA6 blend with 1.5% PR 002, complete miscibility was observed, indicating a new compatible blend formation, revealing a chemical reaction between the systems, and proving the synergism between them. This chain extender did not affect the thermal stability of the blends, and the low contents employed reduced the crystallization rate of the blends investigated.