Interfacial Engineering of PA1012 Composites With Balanced Toughness and Strength Using POE Ionomer and Al2O3-PA

Polyamide 1012 (PA1012) composites with balanced strength and toughness were fabricated by blending with lanthanum-neutralized polyolefin elastomer (POE) ionomers and nano-alumina grafted with nylon short chains (Al 2 O 3 -PA). Al 2 O 3 -PA was synthesized based on in situ polymerization, while POE ionomers with different glutamic acid/maleic anhydride mole ratios were prepared through melt-blending. The multiple interactions between La 3+ -carboxyl/amide groups and dynamic networks formed by chain entanglement of Al 2 O 3 -PA with PA1012 and POE ionomers significantly improved PA1012's mechanical properties. Compared with pure PA1012, the impact toughness (92.0 kJ/m 2 ) of PA1012/POE ionomer/Al 2 O 3 -PA composites was 14 times higher while the tensile strength (53.4 MPa) retained 86.1% of its value. Rheological characterization showed decreased melt viscosity, helping with processing challenges in rubber-toughened plastics. The toughening mechanism was attributed to matrix yielding, elastomer particle deformation, and dynamic network destruction. This work provides an efficient strategy for designing high-performance polyamide composites with balanced mechanical properties and enlarging their applications in automotive, electronics and military fields. Highlights Preparation of POE ionomer and Al 2 O 3 -PA. Investigating synergistic interactions of POE ionomer with Al 2 O 3 -PA. Enhanced improvement in mechanical performance of PA1012 composites. Exhibiting a dynamic network based on rheological measurements.