Correlation of morphology and viscoelastic properties of partially biodegradable polymer blends based on polyamide 6 and polylactide copolyester

Abstract

The morphology and viscoelastic properties of newly prepared partially biodegradable polymeric blend based on polyamide 6 and commercially available co-polyester of polylactide, BioFlex®, were studied in this work. Observations by scanning electron microscopy and solvent extraction method, and rheological measurements were carried out for structural studies. Experimental data were compared with several semi-empirical models for determination of phase inversion concentration. The correlation between experimental data and models reveals the significant contribution of elasticity effect to interfacial adhesion between polyamide 6 and BioFlex, which seems to have influence on the phase inversion composition of the blends and co-continuous morphology formation. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.