Polyacrylonitrile/Nylon 6 blends: Preparation and characterization

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) particles with micro-size ranges (0.15-2 mum) were prepared by emulsion and dispersion polymerizations and in supercritical carbon dioxide media. The PAN particles were blended with Nylon 6 (PA6) at 220 degreesC by using a miniature mixer; it was found that melt-mixing was possible for PAN-rich compositions as high as 70 wt.-%. Blends were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, IR, viscosity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The size and shape of original PAN particles were retained in PAN/PA6 blends. The useful range to blend PAN particles size was less than 1 mum in terms of shape retention of the PAN particles in blends. Blends with 40 wt.-% PAN content were found to be melt-processable. The elastic modulus was higher for PAN/PA6 blends than pure PA6.