Effects of polyamide 12 and chain extender on the properties of microcrystalline cellulose reinforced polyamide 11 composites

In the present study, polyamide 12 (PA12) and 2,2′‐(1,4‐phenylene)bis(2‐oxazoline) (PBO) were used to modify polyamide 11 (PA11), and then microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) reinforced PA11 composites was prepared via hot pressing. The results showed that the thermoplastic elastomer PA12 was in favor of the toughness of the composites, 12% PA12 increased the impact strength by 53%. The molecular chains of PA11/PA12 blends were extended by PBO, and then had positive effects on the mechanical properties, as evidenced by the fact that the flexural strength and the impact strength of the composites with 0.3% PBO were increased by 13% and 14%, respectively. In addition, morphology analysis indicated PBO was in favor of the interfacial bonding of the composites. MCC significantly increased the flexural strength and modulus by 68% and 283%, respectively.