Investigation of effects of MoEpPOSS nanoparticle on the morphological and rheological properties of PA6/TPE blends

Abstract

Polyamide 6 (PA6) is one of the used engineering thermoplastics with the advantages of high resistance to chemicals and abrasion, high fatigue resistance and toughness. However, it has some disadvantages such as low impact strength and notch sensitivity. The blend of PA6 with elastomers can mitigate these shortcomings. Lately, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) have been frequently used to toughen notch-sensitive polymers such as PA6 due to their outstanding properties such as high elasticity, recyclability, and easy processing. As it is known, obtaining superior properties in polymer blends relies on the interfacial interaction between the components of the blend. Additionally, by using compatibilizers, blends with the required properties can be created by enhancing interaction between phases, or interfacial adhesion. Recently, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles, organic/inorganic hybrid nanoparticles, are preferred as an alternative compatibilizer to conventional types. In this study, PA6/TPE blends were compatibilized with POSS nanoparticle with single epoxy group (MoEpPOSS). The morphological and rheological properties of PA6/TPE blends compatibilized with MoEpPOSS nanoparticle were investigated. Also, possible chemical interactions between PA6 and/or TPE and MoEpPOSS nanoparticle were determined via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses.