Compatibilization of polyethylene/polyamide 6 blends with functionalized polyethylenes prepared with metallocene catalyst

Metallocene catalyst technology was utilized to prepare functionalized poly ethylenes, which were used as compatibilizers in polyethylene/polyamide 6 ( 40/60) blends. Polymerization of ethylene with 10-undecen-1-ol, 10-undeceno ic acid, or N-methyl-10-undecenylamine resulted in ethylene copolymers with a small amount (0.2-1.2 mol %) of functionalized side chains. The blends w ere prepared in a twin-screw midiextruder, and injection molded with a mini -injection molding machine. The effect of the new compatibilizers on morpho logy and mechanical and thermal properties was studied. Toughness as well a s stiffness and strength increased significantly with an addition of 10 wt % compatibilizer. Morphology became much more uniform, and crystallization and melting behavior changed. The Molau test with FTIR analysis was used to determine that the desired reactions between the compatibilizer and polyam ide had actually taken place. The results showed functionalized polyethylen es prepared with metallocene catalysts to act as effective compatibilizers in polyethylene/polyamide 6 blends. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.