Influence of Interfacial Agents on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Binary Polyethylene/Polyamide 6 and Ternary Polyethylene/Polypropylene/Polyamide 6 Blends

Binary low-density polyethylene/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(ethylene-co-buthylacrylate-co-maleainch ydride) and poly(ethy1ene-co-vinylacetate)g rafted with maleic anhydride] used as interfacial modifiers. More precisely, the polypropylene was a propylene/ethylene random copolymer, containing 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.