Formation and compatibilizing effect of the grafted copolymer in the reactive blending of 2-diethylsuccinate containing polyolefins with poly-ϵ-caprolactam (nylon-6)

The intermolecular reaction and its role in determining the partial compatibility between diethylsuccinate containing linear low-density polyethylene or ethylene propylene copolymer and poly-ϵ-caprolactam (PA6) has been investigated in the melt using a Brabender mixer. The reaction product has been submitted to selective solvent extraction with formic acid and n-heptane; the characterization of the two extracted fractions and the insoluble residue has demonstrated the formation of a polyolefin–nylon (PO–PA6) grafted copolymer. The formation of grafted copolymer has an evident effect on the compatibilization of the two original polymers, indeed the differential scanning calorimetry analysis shows a remarkable decrease of temperature and enthalpy of PA6 crystallization. Moreover scanning electron microscopy micrographs show clear evidence of size reduction of PA6 domains associated with improved interface interactions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.