To enhance the impact strength of polyamide 6, hydrolytic polymerization modification by the polyaminoamide-g-poly(ethylene glycol) (PAAEG) derivatives with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecular weight of 400-10000 was studied. Amide groups of polyaminoamide segments were postulated to form hydrogen bonding with polyamide 6, and hydroxy groups of PAAEG units were expected to react with carboxylic acid groups of polyamide 6 forming copolymers during the polymerization. The improved compatibility in amorphous regions of blends has been confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of fracture surfaces. The effects of PAAEG on the water absorption and notch sensitivity of blends were investigated, using water uptake measurement and mechanical testings, respectively. For comparison, pure polyamide 6 and the blend of PEG/polyamide 6 were also investigated. The addition of PAAEG retarded the crystallization of polyamide 6, but did not make remarkable influences on its crystalline structure. As a consequence of the strong interactions between the dispersed phases and polyamide 6 matrices, PAAEG was a more suitable additive for improving the notched impact strength of polyamide 6 than PEG.
