Structure and mechanical properties of polyamide-6,6/poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends

Polyamide-6,6 (PA)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) blends were obtained by direct injection molding over the whole composition range. Besides the two crystalline phases, the blends were composed of a pure amorphous PET phase, and a probably pure PA amorphous phase. The crystallinity of PA and PET did not change in the blends, although PA nucleated the crystallization of PET. The morphological heterogeneity was low because, although large particles were seen, they mostly contained many small (typically 0.3 mum) occlusions. This fairly homogeneous structure is attributed to the reactions observed during melt blending. The Young's modulus and yield stress of the blends followed the rule of mixtures, in good agreement with the lack of change of the crystallinity content, specific volume and orientation of the two components of the blends when they are mixed. The ductility values were also very close to those predicted by the rule of mixtures, with an absolute synergism in the 10/90 blend indicating compatibility. This positive mechanical behavior contrasts with that observed in previous works, and is attributed to the way PET crystallizes, to the highly dispersed morphology, and to the highly amorphous character of the blends obtained in this study. The ductile nature of the blends after annealing at either 80degreesC for one day or 100degreesC for 30 min indicated the considerable temperature resistance of these highly dispersed and partially reacted blends. (C) 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.