Melt blending of polypropylene-blend-polyamide 6-blend-organoclay systems

The melt blending of polypropylene-blend-polyamide 6-blend-organoclay (PP/PA6/organoclay) systems has been investigated using an internal mixer without any traditional compatibilizer. In the presence of organoclay, the melting of PA6 phase is accelerated and the dimension of the dispersed phase in the matrix is reduced. Transmission electron microscopy results reveal clay-rich interface zones formed between the PA6 dispersed phase and the PP matrix in the PP/PA6/organoclay system. An interface blending approach has been designed to investigate the interface zones between the immiscible polymers, and the interface zones have been characterized by Fourier transfom infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In the presence of the organoclay, the PA6 component in interface zones is stable even after etching extraction with formic acid, suggesting a strong interaction takes place among PP, PA6 and the organoclay. Such clay-rich interface zones act as a compatibilizer for the two immiscible polymers, resulting in a better dispersion of PA6 phase in PP matrix. (c) 2006 Society of Chemical Industry.