Compatibilization Efficacy of LLDPE-g-MA on Mechanical, Thermal, Morphological and Water Absorption Properties of Nylon-6/LLDPE Blends

Abstract

Abstract The effect of compatibilizer (LLDPE-g-MA) on mechanical, thermal, morphological and water absorption properties of Nylon-6/LLDPE blends was investigated. SEM analysis and image processing revealed coarse biphasic morphology with LLDPE dispersant size in the range of 1.97–2.23 µm for uncompatibilized blends wherein compatibilized blends showed smooth morphology with dispersant size in the range of 0.76–1.34 µm. Compatibilization effect has also been supplemented by thermal studies showing shift in crystalline melting point of Nylon-6 in compatibilized blends reflecting improved interfacial interaction. Compatibilized blends showed 10–25% overall improvement in mechanical properties and 15–35% reduction in water absorption as compared to uncompatibilized blends. Keywords: BlendsCompatibilizationLLDPELLDPE-g-MANylon-6 ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors are grateful to the Director DMSRDE for providing all necessary support and guidance to carry out this work. The authors also acknowledge the support rendered by Ms. Kavita Agarwal and Dr. Mahender Prasad for SEM analysis. The authors would also like to thank Mr. Vineet Kumar Singh and Mr. Satish Kumar Toppo for their constant support in melt blending and subsequent testing.