Due to the significantly different processing ranges of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyamide 6 (PA 6), the combined processing of the two polymers is a process engineering challenge. In order to assess the compatibility and processability of the PA 6-PHB blends, a suitable compounding process was therefore first developed on a twin-screw extruder. In addition, the production of maleated PHB (C) as a compatibilizer was carried out. It could be shown on two- and three-component blends that it is possible to produce the blends, but that they tend to have a pronounced coalescence. Although the C-types partially refine the morphology, they do not effectively prevent coalescence. However, a limited compatibility effect can be demonstrated by atomic force microscopic images and mechanical examinations. Furthermore, a synergistic stiffening effect leads to increased tensile moduli of the blends. This results in up to 131% of the pure PA 6 value in the dry-as-mould state and 151% after conditioning. Using dynamic differential calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the effect could be attributed to the increase in crystallinity.weiterlesen