CELLULOSE-COPOLYAMIDE-6,69 BLENDS

In a previous work [J. Polym. Sci. Polym. Phys., 32, 1437 (1994)], a t echnique for the preparation of cellulose-polyamide 66 (PA66) blends w as proposed. It was shown that the crystallization of PA66 is responsi ble for the phase separation and, furthermore, for the morphology of t he domains in the blends. For this reason, the use of a quasi-amorphou s polyamide, i.e., a random copolymer of units 6 nd 69, instead of PA6 6, is now investigated. Cellulose-polyamide 669 (PA669) blends were pr epared by a solution-precipitation process. A mixture of N-methylmorph oline-N-oxide and phenol (80/20 wt/wt) was used as a common solvent. M aterials were precipitated whether in methanol or in water. The fibers obtained were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, mechanic al spectroscopy, and tensile tests. It is shown that the morphology of these blends depends on the precipitation system and is a function of the different steps of processing of the blends. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.