POLYMER BLENDS OF PA6 AND PPE COMPATIBILIZED BY POLY[METHYLENE(PHENYLENEISOCYANATE)] (PMPI) COUPLER

An oligomeric isocyanate, poly[methylene(phenylene isocyanate)] (PMPI) , is demonstrated to be an efficient reactive compatibilizer for blend s of polyamide-6 (PA6) and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene ether)(PPE) . Use of this compatibilizer results in substantial improvements in me chanical properties. The multiple functional isocyanate acts as a coup ling agent and reacts with PA6 and PPE endgroups during melt processin g to produce a PA6-co-PMPI-co-PPE mixed copolymer at the interface. Th is in situ-formed copolymer tends to reside at the interface to reduce the melt interfacial tension and enhance interface adhesion.