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Phase morphology evolution and compatibilization of immiscible polyamide 6/polystyrene blends using nano‐montmorillonite
Author(s) -
Guo Jianbing,
Xu Yang,
He Weidi,
Wang Na,
Tang Mengqi,
Chen Xiaolang,
Hu Shijun,
He Min,
Qin Shuhao
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.24610
Subject(s) - masterbatch , materials science , montmorillonite , compatibilization , nanocomposite , polyamide , polystyrene , organoclay , composite material , phase (matter) , scanning electron microscope , nano , polymer blend , transmission electron microscopy , copolymer , chemical engineering , polymer , nanotechnology , chemistry , organic chemistry , engineering
Nanocomposites of organic nano‐montmorillonite (nano‐OMMT)‐filled immiscible polyamide 6 (PA6)/polystyrene (PS) blends were prepared by three different processing methods. Masterbatch M1 of OMMT/PA6 and masterbatch M2 of OMMT/PS were prepared as separate masterbatchs by melt mixing with PA6 or PS, and then either mixed together or each mixed individually with appropriate amounts of PS or PA6, respectively. The effects of nano‐OMMT content and processing method on the structure, phase morphology, and mechanical properties of the PA6/PS/OMMT nanocomposites were investigated by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mechanical properties tests. The results showed that the nano‐OMMT by M1 and M2 masterbatches dispersed primarily as exfoliated platelets in the PA6 matrix in the final composites regardless of the method of preparation. A drastic decrease of dispersed PS phase size and a very homogeneous size distribution were observed with the addition of nano‐OMMT. The PA6/PS/OMMT nanocomposites prepared from the M2 displayed the smallest dispersed PS phase size and best distribution of OMMT. The improvement of the mechanical properties of the PA6/PS/OMMT nanocomposites was attributed to the enhanced compatibilization of the immiscible PA6/PS blends by using nano‐OMMT. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers