Film processability, morphology, and properties of polyamide-6/low density polyethylene blends

The processing, morphology, and tensile properties of blown films prepared from polyamide-6 (PA6) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) blends with and without compatibilizer (Surlyn® 9020) are studied. The results indicate that the presence of PA6 and a compatibilizer has a great influence on blend rheology as well as mechanical and barrier properties of LDPE films where the morphology of the dispersed phase (PA6) plays an important role. In this study, film morphology is controlled mainly by variations in draw ratio and bubble pressure. It is shown that biaxial orientation of the films explains the anisotropic behavior of the mechanical properties and improved barrier properties due to the production of a lamellar structure. © SAGE Publications, Inc. 2007