An investigation of instability of phase morphology of blends of nylons with polyethylenes and polystyrenes and effects of compatibilizing agents

Investigations of instability of phase morphology of blends of nylons with polyethylenes and polystyrenes and the effects of “compatibilizing” additives or “agents” are described. Annealing coarsens the phase morphology of blends of nylons with polyethylenes and polystyrenes. Phase growth is observed for various periods of annealing time. The addition of compatibilizing agents, specifically maleic anhydride grafted polyolefins to polyethylene‐nylon blends and syrene‐maleic anhydride copolymers to polystyrene‐nylon blends, stabilize the phase dimensions. Styene‐maleic anhydride copolymer is found more effective than styrene acrylonitrile copolymer as a compatibilizing agent. The mechanisms of this behavior are critically discussed.