Blends of polyamide 6 (PA6) with acrylonitrile-butadiene-estyrene (ABS) were prepared in a twin-screw extruder, using the styrene-maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer containing 7% of maleic anhydride as compatibilizer. The effects from three blending sequences on the microstructure and properties of the blends were investigated. The morphology and mechanical properties of the materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and tensile and impact tests. The results showed that the morphology and mechanical properties of ternary blends depend on the sequence of blend preparation. The blend prepared using the mixture of all components in a single-pass extrusion showed the more significant improvement in the material toughness. However, when the ABS and SMA were melt mixed together in a first extrusion step prior to incorporating PA6 in a second extrusion, the impact strength is lower than that of the blend without compatibilizer PA6/ABS and PA6 matrix. Evidence of chemical reactions between the compatibilizer SMA and PA6 was also obtained using a torque rheometer.
Blends; polyamide 6; toughness; blend sequence
