An experimental study was carried out to investigate the effects of coupling agents on the rheological properties of kaolin filled polyamide 6(PA6). We have investigated the state of dispersion and interfacial interaction of the filled systems, using ’h:anning electron microscopy (SEM) and Molau test, respectively. It is found that the addition of the coupling agents to the PA6/ kaolin (20 wt percent) significantly decreases the melt viscosity and the melt elasticity (first normal stress difference). Moreover, the states of dispersion and the polymer/filler interactions have significant influences on the rheological properties of kaolin/PA6 systems. The rheological behavior of KH550 kaolin /PA6 system is different from that of KH560 kaolin/PA6 system, although chemical reactions have taken place between the surface of KH550 kaolin (or KH560 kaolin) and PA6 matrix during melt processing. This is attributable, in part, to the differences in the state of dispersion of kaolins in PA6 matrix and, to a great extent, to the differences in the extent of chemical reactions that have taken place between the filler and polymer matrix.
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