Immiscible blends of polyamide 6 and low density polyethylene were prepared with and without maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene used as a compatibilizer. Organophilic montmorillonite was incorporated in the blends by melt intercalation. Morphological and structural analysis showed good clay dispersion with partially exfoliated and intercalated structures. Phase separation was observed and domains size reduction was induced by the clay and the compatibilizer. Improvement on mechanical properties of compounds was observed, showing the reinforcing effect caused by the clay. Elastic modulus and tensile strength have increased up to 300% and 100%, respectively. The clay showed a positive effect on compatibilization. DSC analysis revealed a new melting peak for PA6 assigned to a new crystalline phase due the clay effect.
Nanocomposites; blends; montmorillonite; polyethylene; polyamide
