The unique amphiphilic structure of graphene oxide (GO) creates the possibility of using it as a new compatibilizer in certain immiscible blends.In the present work

GO was incorporated into immiscible polyamide 6 (PA6) /polystyrene (PS) (80/20 wt%) blends as a special compatibilizer and the mechanisms involved were discussed.Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images clearly showed that the incorporation of GO in the blends led to a more homogenous morphology.The dimension of PS dispersed particles decreased markedly and became more uniform

indicating a significantly improved compatibility in the GO-filled blends.Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) measurements further confirmed the improvement of compatibility.The glass transition temperature of PA6 and PS shifted towards each other.In the view of the amphiphilic chemical structures

the polyaromatic islands in GO could interact with the aromatic structure in PS by - conjugation

while the oxygen-containing groups attached to GO platelets could form hydrogen bond interaction with NH groups in PA6

which made it act as a coupling agent for the PA6/PS blends.The matched surface energy as well as low interfacial energy between PA6 and PS/GO contributed to the improved compatibility as well.The application of GO in PA6/PS blends led to enhanced tensile and impact properties due to both the compatibilizing and reinforcing effect of GO.The elongation at break increased as much as 170% and the rupture energy increased nearly 240% after the addition of 0.1 wt% of GO as compared to the simple PA6/PS blend.This work extends the application of GO in polymer material manufacturing as a new compatibilizer in certain immiscible blends.