Weldline morphology of injection molded modified poly(phenylene-oxide)/polyamide-6 blends

Abstract

The weldline morphology of modified-poly(phenylene-oxide)/polyamide-6 blends has been investigated. A distinct contacting layer consisting of fine spherical particles was observed from the V-notch at the surface to the center of the molded part for the low viscosity ratio blend. In contrast, such small particles were not found and a slight deformation was observed near the part's surface for the high viscosity ratio blend. The weldline morphology was found to be dominated by the deformation, the breakup, and the relaxation of the dispersed modified-poly(phenyleneoxide) phase. The effect of injection conditions on the weldline morphology has also been investigated. The morphology of the meldline was quite complicated. Distorted multi-layered structures were observed. It was found that those structures arise from the subsequent flow after merging of the two flow fronts. Weldlines and meldlines have been studied separately, and their formation mechanisms were found to be basically similar.