Compatibilizing effect of SEBS-g-MA on the mechanical properties of different types of OMMT filled polyamide 6/polypropylene nanocomposites

Nanocomposites based on polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP) blends containing organophilic montmorillonite (OMMT) and maleic anhydride grafted styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene (SEBS-g-MA) were prepared by melt compounding method followed by injection molding. Four different types of OMMT were used in this work, i.e. dodecylamine modified MMT (D-MMT), 12-aminolauric acid modified MMT (A-MMT), stearylamine modified MMT (S-MMT), and commercial organo-MMT (C-MMT). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results revealed the presence of SEBS-g-MA did not produce any apparent effect on the dispersion of OMMT in the PA6/PP matrix. Incorporation of SEBS-g-MA into the nanocomposites enhanced strength, ductility, and impact strength but slightly reduced stiffness. A good balance of strength, stiffness, and toughness was obtained for PA6/PP/OMMT nanocomposites in the presence of SEBS-g-MA.