The effect of the compatibilization method (ex‐situ, in‐situ, cross linking) on the chemical conversion, morphological and rheological evolution of polyamide/polyolefin blends along a twin screw extruder is investigated. For this purpose, samples were quickly collected from the extruder at specific barrel locations, quenched and subsequently characterized off‐line. While significant changes occur very quickly in the melting zone for the ex‐situ and in‐situ routes, changes of the cross linking system could be detected along all the extruder. Correlations between chemical conversion, particle size and linear viscoelastic response could be established.

This study investigates the effects of processing conditions (the screw speed, throughput, barrel temperature, and screw configuration) on the chemical conversion and morphology evolution of polyamide/ polyolefin blends along a twin-screw extruder. Polymer samples were collected rapidly at specific barrel locations with a special sampling device for subsequent chemical and morphological characterization. Increasing the screw speed or using more restrictive screw modules at the beginning of the melting zone promoted a faster reaction and better dispersion along the extruder. Increasing the throughput or decreasing the barrel temperature slowed the evolution of the morphology and chemical conversion along the extruder because of the lower melting rate. As soon as melting started, the chemical reaction took place. However, high chemical conversion rates required extensive melting, that is, significant interface generation.