Synthesis and characterization of a high performance polyamide-6 elastomer based on poly(ether-block-amide) multiblock copolymer by reactive processing in torque rheometer

The polyamide-6 based poly(ether-block-amide) (PEBA) multiblock copolymers were reactively prepared in typical processing equipment, torque rheometer. The reactive processing conditions of PEBA were discussed in details on the base of the tensile strength as the main quantization parameter and the torque rheological curves. The optimized reaction temperature, reaction time, and rotational speed were 150 degrees C, 10 min, and 40 rpm respectively. The chemical structure, tensile properties, thermal transition, thermal stability, water absorption, and solubility in organic solvents of PEBA prepared in optimized reaction conditions were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and soaking testing in water and organic solvents. The tensile strength and elongation at break of PEBA are 35.9 MPa and 580% respectively. The glass transition temperature and melting temperature of soft segment of PEBA are -50 and 15 degrees C, respectively; the glass transition temperature and melting temperature of hard segment of PEBA are 50 and 140 degrees C respectively. Meanwhile, the PEBA has low water absorption, robust organic solvent resistance, and good thermal stability. The optimization process of PEBA will give the deep understanding of reactive processing of polymer materials.