Nylon 6 as a modifier for maleated ethylene-propylene elastomers

Blends of nylon 6 and ethylene-propylene rubber, grafted with maleic anhydr ide, (EPR-g-MA) were prepared using a melt blending process. For certain co mpositions, nylon 6 forms finely dispersed particles due to the reaction of the polyamide amine end groups with the grafted maleic anhydride, that hav e the potential to reinforce the elastomer matrix. This study focuses on th e effects of the content of nylon 6 on the rheological, morphological and m echanical properties of such blends where nylon 6 is the dispersed phase. T ransmission electron microscopy was used to determine blend morphology. Mec hanical properties were examined by stress-strain measurements and dynamic mechanical thermal measurements; the modulus is compared to values calculat ed from theory. The addition of magnesium oxide causes significant improvem ent in tensile properties of these blends. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.