Development of Polyamide 6/Compound by Recycled Rubber Blends Using Graphitized Polyethylene or Polypropylene with Maleic Anhydride as Compatibilizer Agent

Abstract

http://dx.doi.org/10.5028/jatm.v5i2.164

The toughening of polyamide 6 is desirable for many applications and may be obtained by adding a phase to the elastomeric matrix. However, this leads to a loss in its rigidity characteristics. Therefore, this study aimed at developing blends of polyamide 6/compound by recycled rubber (SBR-R), with the addition of compatibilizer graphitized polyethylene and polypropylene with maleic anhydride method by mixing in the molten state in order to obtain a balance between stiffness and toughness. The systems were prepared in several compositions, and their rheological properties and spectroscopy in the Fourier transform infrared were studied by means of rheological curves obtained in an internal mixer of Haake Buchler. The results obtained with the rheological study and Fourier transform infrared showed that mixtures of polyamide 6/graphitized polyethylene with maleic anhydride presented the best results compared to those of polyamide 6/graphitized polypropylene with maleic anhydride, probably indicating reaction between the components. Thus, it was chosen graphitized polypropylene with maleic anhydride as a compatibilizing agent for carrying out other characterizations. Blends of polyamide 6/compound by recycled rubber/graphitized polypropylene with maleic anhydride and their properties were analyzed by means of mechanical tests (tensile and impact), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The impact strength and elastic modulus of the blends compatibilized reduced somewhat when compared to polyamide 6. Therefore, these results indicate a good prospect of application of industrial waste, minimizing the negative effect on the environment and adding value to a disposable material.