Semi‐aromatic poly(m‐xylylene adipamide‐co‐isophthalamide) copolyamides (MXD6/I): Effect of isophthalic acid on the thermal, crystallization, mechanical, and barrier properties

Abstract Semi‐aromatic nylon MXD6 shows superior mechanical strength and gas barrier properties. To improve its toughness and get sight into its excellent properties, a series of poly( m ‐xylylene adipamide‐co‐isophthalamide) (MXD6/I) random copolyamides were synthesized using adipic acid, isophthalic acid (IPA) and m ‐xylylene diamine as monomers via direct melt polycondensation. The effect of IPA content on the thermal, crystallization, heat resistant, mechanical, and barrier properties of the copolyamides were systematically investigated. The results showed that the increase of IPA content from 0 to 12 mol% resulted in a decrease in the melting point of the copolyamides from 238 to 217°C but the glass transition temperature ( T g ) increased from 88 to 105°C. Correspondingly, the Vicat softening temperature decreased from 199.2 to 172.5°C. The crystallization rate of the copolyamides significantly decreased with the increase of the IPA content. The copolyamides had improved elongation and rupture energy and decent oxygen barrier properties with the introduction of IPA. It is expected that this study would guide design of MXD6 macromolecular chain structure to prepare high‐performance MXD6 materials.