Influence of the component reactivity on the properties of ternary reactive blends nylon 6/rigid brittle polymer/elastomer

The ternary reactive blend of Nylon 6 matrix with dispersed poly(styrene-co -maleic anhydride) and maleated SEES or EPR represents a toughened system w ith enhanced strength and, at least, the retained stiffness of the matrix. In the present work, the influence of changed reactivity of dispersed phase s, including the application of one or both nonreactive components, on the phase structure and related mechanical behavior is studied. Lowering of the reactivity of the elastomer caused a decrease of blend properties, whereas suitable dilution of SMA by PS brought better properties in comparison wit h a fully reactive system. With the nonreactive N6/PS/SEBS blend, the forma tion of blended bicontinuous inclusions causes worsening of toughness. This documents the importance of separate dispersion of both phases for good me chanical behavior in the system studied, which is shown to be assured by ap plication of at least one reactive component. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, I nc.