Evolution of properties in ABS/PA6 blends compatibilized by fixed weight ratio SAGMA copolymer

Abstract

Blends of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and Nylon 6 (PA6) incorporating styrene-acrylonitrile-glycidyl methacrylate (SAGMA) copolymer as compatibilizer have been studied across five different compositions by varying the PA6 ratio from 15 wt% to 55 wt%. The evolution of morphology from discrete dispersed PA6 particles to phase inversion to co-continuous phases effected due to the compatibilizer have been studied vis-à-vis preliminary melt flow analysis, viscoelastic behavior, physico-mechanical and thermal properties of the blends. Single point viscosity measurements during melt flow analyses are indicative of a significant increase in viscosity upon initial incorporation of PA6 followed by narrow increases with content. It is observed that while there are gradual positive modifications in physico-mechanical properties with increasing PA6 content, the most significant improvements are observed for room temperature izod impact strength and break elongation effected in the region of phase inversion on to the formation of a co-continuous phase. The low temperature impact strength at −40 °C essentially remains comparable to that of control ABS. DMTA analysis evidences partial dissolution of the blend components by the shifts of the damping peaks (Tg) of PB rich phase, SAN and PA6. Broadening of the damping peak of PB rich phase of ABS is attributed to increasing interfacial region due to PA6-g-SAGMA molecular layer at the interface. Thermal stability of the blends were not significantly affected in comparison to control ABS and PA6.