Reactive compatibilization of PA6/LDPE blends with an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer and a low molar mass bis-oxazoline

A sample of polyamide-6 (PA) was blended with low density polyethylene (LDPE) in the 80/20 wt/wt ratio, either without and with 2 phr of an ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer (EAA), Which was known to behave as a compatibilizer precursor, and the effect of the addition of small amounts (0.2 or 0.35 phr) of a fourth component, 2,2'-(1,3-phenylene)-bis(2-oxazoline) (PBO), was investigated. The reactions of PBO with EAA, PA and their blends were studied by recording as a function of time the torque applied to the blending apparatuses and by studying the solubility behavior of the products in formic acid. The PALDPE blends were prepared in a co-rotating twin screw extruder and were characterized by Molau tests, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, rheology, and determination of the ultimate mechanical properties, including impact tests. The results indicate that the effectiveness of EAA as a compatibilizer precursor is considerably enhanced when PBO is added into the blends. It is thought that the reactions of PBO with the free carboxyl groups of EAA and with the an-fine or carboxyl end groups of PA run, at least in part, toward the formation of PA-g-EAA copolymers acting as the true compatibilizers for these blends. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.