Influence of interfacial agents on the physicochemical characteristics of binary polyethylene/polyamide 6 and ternary polyethylene/polypropylene/polyamide 6 blends

Binary low‐density polythylene/polyamide 6 and ternary low‐density polyethylene/polypropylene/polyamide 6 blends were prepared by melt mixing, without and with the addition of two different commercial products [poly(ethylere‐co‐buthylacrylate‐co‐maleic anhydride) and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinylacetate) grafted with maleic anhydride] used as interfacial modifiers. More precisely, the polypropylene was a propylene/ethylene random copolymer, containg 6% by weight of ethylene. The polyamide 6/interfacial agent and polyethylene/ interfacial agent systems were also considered. Differential scanning calorimetry, microscopic observations—together with chemical etchings—and mechanical tests supported the occurrence of strong interactions at the interface, especially when using the buthyl acrylate‐based agent. The compatibilizing effect of the interfacial agents was also analyzed in the light of interfacial tension determinations. Eventually, low‐density polyethylene modifications induced by compatibilization were studied carrying out WAXD analysis. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.