The in situ reactive compatibilization of nylon-6/polystyrene blends using anhydride functionalized polystyrenes

Nylon-6/polystyrene (PS) blends were reactively compatibilized by addition of various anhydride functionalized polystyrenes. The morphology of the blends was examined using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The particle size of the dispersed styrenic phase was about 3.2 μm for the uncompatibilized 8/2 Nylon-6/PS blend while those of the compatibilized blends were decreased by as much as two orders of magnitude depending on the amount and type of the functionalized polystyrene (FPS) added. Several low-molecular weight polystyrenes with terminal anhydride groups, prepared by two different functionalization methods, were examined. The effect of molecular weight on particle size reduction depended on the basis of comparison, mass of additive, or moles of anhydride units. A high-molecular weight random copolymer of styrene and maleic anhydride was most effective when compared on a mass basis. The increase in adhesion between the Nylon-6 and the styrenic phases caused by the in situ reaction was evaluated by a lap shear technique. The free polystyrene, Nylon-6, and Nylon-FPS copolymer formed were separated by solvent extraction technique using formic acid and toluene. The extent of coupling reaction between the functionalized polystyrenes and Nylon-6 ranged from 25 to 43%. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.