Compatibilization of PA6/ABS blend by SEBS-g-MA: morphological, mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties

Blends polyamide 6 (PA6) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) were compatibilized with a styrene–(ethylene–butene)–styrene triblock copolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA). In particular, the effects of ABS (0–100 wt%) and compatibilizer (0, 8, and 16 wt%) content were studied. The blends were first prepared by twin-screw extrusion, and different specimens were prepared by injection molding. From the samples produced, the effects of blend composition on morphological, mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties are reported. The structural analysis confirmed that the original blend is immiscible but showed some compatibilization when in the presence of SEBS-g-MA. Incorporation of the compatibilizer and ABS showed negligible effect on the melting behavior of PA6. The compatibilized blends showed higher tensile strength compared with uncompatibilized ones. However, Young’s modulus decreased with increasing compatibilizer content. The mechanical results were confirmed by rheological measurements in terms of interaction between each components in the blend.