Blends of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH; 44 mol% ethylene) and polyamide 6/66 (PA; 75 mol% PA 6) random copolymers were studied in the entire composition range. Specific interaction between the components was analyzed by IR spectroscopy; furthermore, coefficients related to the Flory-Huggins interaction parameter were derived from equilibrium water uptake and tensile strength. Morphology of the blends was investigated by thermal analysis (DSC), density measurements, and SEM micrographs. The two polymers form heterogeneous blends in each composition. Although the components crystallize in separate phases, the morphology and the mechanical properties are greatly affected by the association of OH and NH groups. Crystallization is restricted in the blends, and the increase of the amorphous fraction, as well as specific interaction between the components, results in essential improvement in the mechanical propel-ties. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.