Ductile/brittle PA6/PS system: Effect of carbon nanoplatelets-modified interface on performance

Addition of rigid PS to ductile PA6 can lead to higher toughness provided plastic deformation of PS is achieved. The current study deals with upgrading of this system by graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and GO with grafted polystyrene (GO-g-PS). Low amount of these carbon nanoplatelets can enhance performance of the PA/PS 90/10 system with the best-balanced properties achieved with GO-g-PS by unique combination of reinforcement with the favorable effect of the GO-g-PS-modified interface on plastic deformation of the PS phase causing higher impact resistance. Simultaneous linking of PA chains and hydrogen bonding causes “anchoring” of PS inclusions in the PA6 phase. This results in support of hydrostatic pressure evolution during loading and thus extensive yielding of PS. Another positive effect is reduction of pullout of in situ formed fibrous inclusions, which is different from rigid short-fiber composites. The study highlights high potential of GO modified with polymer chains to upgrade polymer systems via tailoring the interface.