Selective dispersion and compatibilizing effect of cellulose filler in recycled pa6/ pp blends

The use of sustainable composites is becoming increasingly favorable in the auto industry. By using combinations of recycled polymers and natural reinforcements to replace traditionally unfilled, glass filled, and talc filled polymeric components, the environmental impact of each vehicle can be reduced. The objective of this study was to develop composites containing recycled polypropylene (PP), recycled polyamide 6 (PA6), and cellulose, with physical properties consistent with unmodified polymers. This study investigated the material properties of PA6/PP blends with the following variables: a) the addition of a compatibilizer, b) the addition of cellulose, and c) the order in which components were mixed. The samples produced for this study had a fixed composition of 70:30 PA6:PP. Certain samples also contained 10 wt% cellulose and/or 6 wt% compatibilizer. The composites were produced using a twin screw extruder and injection molding. The resulting properties were investigated on a microscopic (SEM) and macroscopic scale (mechanical and thermal properties). The miscibility of PP and PA6 improved with the addition of a compatibilizer. Polymer blends containing a coupling agent exhibited the highest strengths and elongations, while cellulose-filled composites containing compatibilizer exhibited the highest stiffnesses. The mechanical and thermal properties of the composites generated were compared to physical requirements for composite components used in thermally challenging areas, such as under-the-hood in automotive applications.