Abstract
This paper deals with synthesis and characterization of some copolyamides 6/12 obtained by rotational molding via activated anionic ring–opening copolymerization of e–caprolactam with laurolactam. Sodium bis[(2–metoxyetoxy)e–caprolactam] aluminate, as initiator and N,N’–[methylene–di(1,4–phenylene)bis–carbamoyl]–bis–e–caprolactam, as activator were used. The initial mold temperature (initial polymerization temperature) was kept constant at 160oC. The incorporation of laurolactam into nylon 6 chain depresses both in the degree of crystallinity and the melting temperature of nylon 6/12 copolymers. The notched Izod impact strength of the copolymers increased as the laurolactam content was increased, while the flexural modulus and the water absorption decreased.
Keywords: e-aprolactam; laurolactam; anionic copolymerization; copolyamide 6/2; rotational molding