Abstract: Maleic anhydride (MAH) functionalized acrylate-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA) copolymers （ASA-g-MAH）was prepared via an emulsion polymerization process, and was used to toughen nylon-6. Molau tests showed that some reactions between PA6 and ASA-g-MAH had taken place. The effect of MAH content on mechanical properties of PA6/ASA-g-MAH blends was studied. The mechanical properties of PA6/ASA-g-MAH blends increased with increasing MAH content. When MAH content was 4%, notched impact strength of the blend reached 1008 J/m. Compared with the PA6/ASA blend, the PA6/ASA-g-MAH blends had higher tensile strength and elongation at break. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed ASA particles dispersed in the PA6 matrix uniformly when MAH content was 4%. The cavitation of rubber particles and shear yielding of the PA6 matrix were the major toughening mechanisms.

Key words: maleic anhydride, polyamide, mechanical property, toughening, grafting copolymer