The dielectric and mechanical properties of PA-6/PP blends

A series of PA-6/PP polymer blends for electric-insulation were prepared using a Haake-90 twin-screw extruder with different blending ratio and amount of compatibilizer. The dielectric and mechanical properties of both dry and water-treated specimens were tested. It was found that the change of the dielectric properties of the blends with the blending ratio and the content of compatibilizer was of the same tendency as the mechanical properties under dry condition, but was not under wet condition. The stability in dielectric properties of the blends under wet condition was more dependent on the composition and compatibility than that in mechanical properties, and can be effectively improved by the proper selection of the blending ratio and the content of compatibilizer. The morphology of the blends was also observed to reveal the relationship between the dielectric and mechanical properties and microstructures of the blends.