In situ compatibilization of polyamide 6/natural rubber blends with maleicanhydride

The rheology, thermal and dynamic-mechanical properties and phase morpholog y of blends of polyamide 6 with natural rubber (NR) are explored. The objec tive was to investigate in situ formation of a graft copolymer between NR a nd polyamide 6 during processing. Addition of maleic anhydride (MA) to the rubber was done prior to blending with polyamide 6. During processing MA ca n react with both NR and polyamide 6 leading to the graft copolymer formati on. Molan test was used to confirm this graft copolymer formation. Rheology and thermal properties as well as dynamic-mechanical analysis also indicat ed the graftization. Blend morphology analysis showed a significant reducti on in particle size as the MA was added to the rubber. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd. All rights reserved.