Polyamide 6-clay nanocomposites/polypropylene-grafted-maleic anhydride alloys

Polyamide 6-clay nanocomposites (PA6CN) based on montmorillonite typically show some brittleness with clay addition. In order to address this problem, PA6CN/PP-g-MAH alloys were prepared through blending PA6CN with polypropylene-grafted-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH). The mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical temperature spectra, morphology and water absorption of the alloys were studied. Compared with PA6CN, the notched impact strength of the alloys increased greatly while the alloys still maintained higher stiffness and strength than that of PA 6. The morphological studies via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed a PP-g-MAH toughen phase dispersed in PA6CN matrix. As the PP-g-MAH content was increased, reduced water absorption was observed.