| abstract |
An ionomer/polyamide blend with improved flow (e.g., lower viscosity) can be achieved while simultaneously maintaining or improving physical properties such as low temperature Izod impact resistance by the addition of low molecular weight ethylene/acrylic acid copolymer (e.g., so-called acid wax polymer derived from copolymerizing at least 5 weight percent and preferably greater than 9 weight percent acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid with ethylene and having a melt index, ASTM D1238, preferably greater than 900 dg/min and most preferably greater than 5,000 dg/min). Optionally, the blends can further contain additives such as very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), ethylene propylene elastomer (EPR), ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomer (EPDM), corresponding maleic anhydride grafted elastomers (MAN-g-VLDPE; MAN-g-EPR; and MAN-g-EPDM), or mixtures thereof. The blends exhibiting improved flow characteristics according to the instant invention are particularly useful in the manufacture of automotive parts, panels and the like having a "class A" surface. |