Thermal Oxidation Products of Nylon 6 Determined by MALDI‐TOF Mass Spectrometry

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation (MALDI) mass spectrometry was used, in an attempt to find firm evidence for the structure of the species produced in the thermal oxidative degradation of Nylon 6 (Ny6), at 250°C in air. The MALDI spectra of the products showed the presence of polymer chains containing aldehydes, amides, methyl and N‐formamide terminal groups. The aldehydes undergo further oxidation to produce carboxylic end groups. The formation of azomethines, from the further reaction of aldehydes with amino‐terminated Ny6 chains, is also supported by the appearance of specific peaks in the MALDI spectra.     

Functionalization of Styrene-Olefin Block Copolymers by Melt Radical Grafting of Glycidyl Methacrylate and Reactive Blending with PET

Blocks copolymers styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene (SEBS) and styrene-b-(ethylene-co-propylene) (SEP, SEPSEP), with different styrene content and number of blocks in the chain, were functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) by melt radical grafting. The influence of monomer concentration, radical initiator and copolymer structure on the grafting degree was examined. The grafted copolymers were characterised by DSC and capillary rheometry. Blends of PET with functionalized SEBS and SEPSEP showed a marked improvement of phase morphology and elongation at break when compared to blends with unfunctionalized copolymers.