The reactive compatibilization effect of copolymer macroactivator for immiscible anionic polyamide 6/polystyrene blends via in situ polymerization

In this article, a novel method has been successfully developed to prepare the anionic polyamide 6/polystyrene (APA6/PS) blends. The macroactivator P(St- co -IEM) was synthesized by the free radical polymerization of 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate and styrene (St), then the graft copolymer of PS and APA6 (PS- g -APA6) can be obtained by the anionic polymerization of ɛ-caprolactam activated by the macroactivator P(St- co -IEM). The X-ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy analysis, contact angle measurement, water absorption measurement, molau test, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical properties test were performed separately to study the effects of P(St- co -IEM) on crystallinity, morphology, water resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. The results indicate the synthesis of macroactivator can promote the formation of the γ-phase. Moreover, it can improve the interfacial compatibility, water resistance, thermal stability, and toughness. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135 , 46302.