Polymer blends of PA6 and PPE compatibilized by poly[methylene (phenylene isocyanate)] (PMPI) coupler

Abstract

Abstract An oligomeric isocyanate, poly[methylene(phenylene isocyanate)] (PMPI), is demonstrated to be an efficient reactive compatibilizer for blends of polyamide‐6 (PA6) and poly(2,6dimethyl‐1, 4‐phenylene ether)(PPE). Use of this compatibilizer results in substantial improvements in mechanical properties. The multiple functional isocyanate acts as a coupling agent and reacts with PA6 and PPE endgroups during melt processing to produce a PA6‐co‐PMPI‐co‐PPE mixed copolymer at the interface. This in situ ‐formed copolymer tends to reside at the interface to reduce the melt interfacial tension and enhance interface adhesion.