Physico-chemical characterization of compatibilized poly(propylene)/aromatic polyamide blends

Poly(propylene)/aromatic polyamide blends were prepared by melt mixing, wit hout or with the addition of an interfacial modifier, viz. a poly(propylene ) polymer grafted with 1 wt.-% Of maleic anhydride. The characteristics of these polymer blends were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry , dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy and sur face tension measurements. The transport parameters of oxygen through films of such polymer blends were also determined by the differential permeation method. The new compatibilized blend materials, being transparent, sterili zable, dimensionally stable, and having very high barrier properties coward s oxygen, are particularly suitable for packaging applications.