Effect of the processing method on the mechanical properties and morphology of compatibilized PA6/LDPE blends

In this work, the effect of the processing method on the mechanical properties and morphology of compatibilized PA6/LDPE blends was investigated. The blends were prepared by two processing methods: Injection and Extrusion followed by Injection. The compatibilizers used were polyethylene grafted with acrylic acid (PEgAA) and polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride (PEgMA). The results showed that in both processing methods the impact strength and elongation at break of the compatibilized blends were greater than those of the uncompatibilized ones. For the blends prepared by injection, the impact strength of PA6/ PEgMA/LDPE blend was greater than that of PA6/PEgAA/ LDPE blend. For the blends prepared by extrusion followed by injection, the impact strength of the PA6/PEgAA/LDPE blend was greater than that of PA6/PEgMA/LDPE blend. SEM analysis showed that the morphology of the PA6/PEgAA/ LDPE blend prepared by extrusion followed by injection was more stable than that of the same blend prepared only by injection.