Effect of processing conditions and properties of PP/nylon 6 blends

Polypropylene (PP) and nylon 6 were melt blended in a twin screw extruder at different screw speeds using malefic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) as a compatibilizer. Different compositions were injection moulded and the mechanical properties, rheological behaviour and morphology of the resulting blends were studied. The impact strength and tensile strength of PP increased due to the addition of nylon 6 and MA-g-PP acted as a compatibilizer. Mechanical data suggested that blending at higher shear rates-gave better properties. An amount of compatibilizer at the 3 parts level offered optimum properties.