Properties enhancement of partially biodegradable polyamide/polylactide blends through compatibilization with novel polyalkenyl-poly-maleic-anhydride- amide/imide-based additives

Abstract

This work is dedicated to compatibilization process investigation between polyamide 6 and biodegradable polylactide. The process was conducted by newly developed polyalkenyl-poly-maleic-anhydride-imide/amide agents over a selected range of composition to identify morphologies and properties of these blends. The properties of resulted blends were studied by scanning electron microscopy, solvent extraction techniques, mechanical testing, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. Results show that blending of the two polymers without compatibilizers produced multiphase blends. It was shown by scanning electron microscopy imaging that addition of prepared compatibilizers reduced a domain size of a dispersed phase and also changes in nearly co-continuous state occurred. Static and dynamic mechanical properties were improved, and especially impact strength and tensile strength were the most sensitive on the presence of compatibilizers. © The Author(s) 2012.