Fusion bonding of maleated polyethylene blends to polyamide 6

Blends of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) and linear low-density polyethylene–grafted maleic anhydride (LLDPE-gMA) were used to promote the adhesion to polyamide 6 (PA) in a three-layer coextruded film without using an additional adhesive or tie layer. The effect of bonding time and molecular weight (MW) of different maleated polyethylenes on the peel strength of the joints was analyzed. Direct evidence of a copolymer formed in-situ at the interfaces is also considered. The peel strength of fusion bonded layers of LLDPE/LLDPE-gMA blends with PA strongly depends on bonding time and molecular weight of the maleated polymer. Tensile properties of three-layer films, made up of PA as the central layer and LLDPE/LLDPE-gMA blends as the two external layers, are improved with increases in the maleic anhydride (MA) content in the blend. The in-situ formation of a copolymer between the MA in the blend and the terminal amine groups of the PA was confirmed by the Molau test, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (DSC).