Effect of EVOH on the morphology, mechanical and barrier properties of PA6/POE-g-MAH/EVOH ternary blends

Polyamide 6 (PA6)/maleated poly(ethylene-1-octene) (POE-g-MAH) blends with various ethylene–vinyl alcohol (EVOH) concentrations were prepared via melt-blending. The morphology, mechanical and barrier properties of the blends were investigated in terms of scanning electron microscope (SEM), impact/tensile testing, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and oil absorption rate. The SEM images indicated that the compatibility between PA6 and POE-g-MAH was improved significantly after the incorporation of EVOH. The toughness of blends was correlated with the morphology of the POE-g-MAH and EVOH dispersion phase. It has also demonstrated that the incorporation of EVOH increased evidently the tensile strength, storage modulus and barrier properties, which were contributed to the strong interactions formed through the reaction among PA 6, POE-g-MAH and EVOH.

► We prepared PA6/POE-g-MAH/EVOH ternary blends using twin-screw extruder. ► The addition of EVOH promote the compatibility between PA6 and POE-g-MAH. ► PA6/POE-g-MAH/EVOH ternary blends display superior toughness and excellent barrier property.