Studies on PA6-PP-wollastonite composite compatibilised by PP-graft-maleicanhydride prepared via pan milling

A composite of PA6 PP-wollastonite compatibilised by PP-g-maleic anhydride has been prepared using pan type milling equipment. and its structure and p roperties investigated by IR, DSC, melt index measurements, SEM, and mechan ical testing. The experimental results show that during pan milling, PP, PA 6, and wollastonite are effectively pulverised, reaching better mixing owin g to the very strong shear forces and pressure exerted by the pan type mill ing equipment. In particular, some PA6 polymer chains are grafted onto the wollastonite surface and the pan milling affects the crystallinity of PA6 a nd PP to some degree. The compatibiliser prepared via solid phase grafting of maleic anhydride onto PP via pan milling shows a reasonably good compati bilising effect on the composite, improving the morphology and therefore th e mechanical properties of the composite. If combined with suitable couplin g agent. the PA6-PP-wollastonite compatibilised by PP-g-maleic anhydride pr epared via pan milling (wollastonite content 30 wt-%) possesses much better mechanical properties. its tensile strength increases from 54.6 to 58.6 MP a. and its notched Izod impact strength increases from 29.4 to 48.7 J m(-1) , compared with the uncompatibilised system. Pan milling is a novel way to achieve desired structure and hence improved properties of polymer based ma terials via the polymer processing procedure. (C) 2001 IoM Communications L td.