Effect of EPDM-MAH compatibilizer on the mechanical properties and morphology of nylon 11/PE blends

This study focused on the effect of the maleated ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM-MAH) as a compatibilizer on the mechanical properties and morphology of nylon 11/polyethylene (PE) blends. Although the tensile strength and elongation at break of compatibilized nylon 11/PE deviated slightly from the pure nylon 11, the Izod impact strength at room temperature and at low temperature was improved markedly by the addition of 3% compatibilizer. The SEM micrographs of fractured surfaces demonstrated further the enhancement of compatibility between nylon and PE by addition of a reactive compatibilizer. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.