The role of matrix molecular weight in rubber toughened nylon 6 blends .2. Room temperature Izod impact toughness

The Izod impact strength of blends of nylon 6 with maleated and non-maleated styrene-hydrogenated butadiene-styrene triblock copolymers, SEBS, and ethylene/propylene random copolymers, EPR, is influenced by the molecular weight of the nylon 6 phase, the rubber particle size, and rubber type. The upper and lower particle size limits for super-toughening were found to be dependent on the polyamide molecular weight and rubber type. The SEES type elastomers produce blends that have higher toughness over a broader range of rubber particle sizes than the EPR/EPR-g-MA mixtures. The effect of nylon 6 molecular weight on the room temperature Izod impact strength of these blends depends on how the comparison is made; however, generally higher levels of toughness can be obtained from the higher molecular weight nylon 6 materials. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.