A new method for preparation of low melting point polyamide-6 (LPA6) and properties of compatibilized blends of LPA6/glass beads/styrene and maleic anhydride copolymer

Abstract

Composites of low melting polyamide-6 (LPA6)/glass beads/styrene, and maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) were prepared by melt extrusion in a co-rotating twin screw extruder. This is a completely new method for the preparation of LPA6, compared with traditional copolymerization, ultra-fine grinding, and solution grafting. The effect of the SMA concentration on the structures and properties of the composites was systematically investigated. This work deals with the combination of both components, which are the effects of the complex reaction on the structures and properties of LPA6, as well as the enhanced mechanical behavior in an analogous reactively compatibilized ternary system. The results show that the complexation reaction has an important effect on the crystallization behavior of nylon6, and the presence of SMA could significantly improve the interfacial compatibility of the glass beads and PA6 matrix. Moreover, the Vicat softening temperature, notched impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the blends are significantly increased. A slight decrease of the crystallinity and crystallization temperature of the mixture was observed.