Structure and properties of polyamides‐epoxidized elastomers blends

Blends of aliphatic polyamides (PA6, PA66, and PA12), containing 0–15 wt % nonepoxidized or epoxidized elastomers (statistical copolymer butadiene–styrene BS/EBS or linear block copolymer styrene–butadiene–styrene SBS/ESBS) were investigated. For PA6‐elastomer blends, taken as an example, it was shown that with increasing blending time, mechanical properties of blends increase, especially, if ESBS copolymer is used. It can be treated as an indirect sign of reactions between components. It was also found that in blends considerable changes of glass temperatures of components occur. Polyamides in blends with elastomers have smaller heats of fusion in comparison with virgin polyamides. It testifies to hindering of PA crystallization by elastomers. In some cases, significant shifts of melting points are also observed. Measurements of water contact angle show that all blends have very similar values of contact angles, which are lower than those of virgin polyamides. Elastomer content does not also affect the blend water uptake. However, it depends on the polyamide and elastomer type contrary to contact angle. Highest water uptake changes are observed in blends of PA66, especially for epoxidized elastomers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 1872–1879, 2006