Mechanical and rheological characterization of PA6 and ABS blends-with and without short glass fiber

Abstract

Polyamide-6 (PA6), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene and their blends are an important class of engineering thermoplastics that are widely used for electronic and automotive industries. Many efforts have been done to improve the properties of both pure components and the blends. It was for this reason that the mechanical and rheological properties of PA6/ABS blend systems compatibilised by acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-maleic anhydride was studied. Short glass fibre also was used to enhance the compatibilised blends. The systems were prepared using a twin screw extruder. The specimens for mechanical test were moulded using injection moulding. The compatibilised blends showed higher mechanical properties compared to uncompatibilised blend. However the impact strength reduced with the introduction of short glass fibre in the blends. The processing properties of the materials have been investigated using dynamic rheometers. The rheological measurements confirmed the increased in interaction between the blend components with the incorporation of compatibiliser. The incorporation of SGF into the compatibilised blends increased the storage and loss modulus as well as the viscosity of the blends.