Toughening of Polyamides with Maleated LDPE

In our investigations of the PA6/maleated LDPE (0.5% MA) blend system [42], we found that for a standard PA6 with balanced end groups and a molecular weight (Mn) of 25,000, the brittle to ductile transition in the room temperature notched Izod impact, occurred 

in order to maintain the heat and chemical resistance advantages of PA6 and achieve a balance of toughness, strength, and flexibility characteristics, commercially useful PA6/LDPE (or LLDPE) blends are usually designed around a 70/30 blend ratio. Akkapeddi 

Among the other routes to obtaining toughened polyamide compositions, polyamide/ABS blends [43—45] deserve some discussion. Although ABS itself is not an elastomer, it is a 

Commercial ABS/PA blends compete for the same type of applications as the impact modified polyamides. Presumably due to their lower heat resistance and slightly inferior low-temperature notched Izod impact strengths, their applications have been somewhat limited compared to those of rubber toughened polyamides. However, ABS/PA blends exhibit better processability, faster cycle times due to faster set up, and easier ejectability of the parts fi om the mold (higher modulus at mold temperature). In addition, the higher dimensional stability and the lower warpage of ABS/PA blend compared to the impact modified polyamides may be useful in some electronic applications. 

---