The mechanical and rheological behavior of the PA/TPU blend with POE‐g‐MA modifier

In this research, we attempt to improve the impact strength and the viscosity of PA (polyamide) by blending two elastomers, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and POE‐g‐MA (maleic anhydride‐grafted polyethylene‐octene elastomer), in PA matrix with twin screw extruder. The ratio of blending is 80PA/20TPU and 80PA/20TPU/20POE‐g‐MA (66.66PA/16.67TPU/16.67POE‐g‐MA). Results indicate that POE‐g‐MA improves the low viscosity of PA and TPU during the blending process, and also their compatibility. Thus, the 80PA/20TPU/20POE‐g‐MA blend has better tensile stress and elongation than 80PA/20TPU blend, and furthermore POE‐g‐MA significantly improves the impact strength of PA, even to super‐toughness grade. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010