The use of zinc-neutralized ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer ionomers as blend compatibilizers for nylon 6 and low-density polyethylene

摘要

The effect of composition on the morphologies and properties of uncompatibilized and compatibilized blends of nylon 6 and LDPE were studied over a wide range of weight fractions. The mechanical properties of the uncompatibilized blends had reduced tensile and impact strength after mixing, which was almost certainly due to poor interfacial adhesion between the two polymers. It was found that the addition of a zinc-neutralized poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) ionomer as a compatibilizer can improve mechanical properties. Micrographs showed that the ionomer caused a reduction of the dispersed phase size, especially when nylon 6 is the dispersed phase of the blend.