Combined effect of micro- and nano-fillers on mechanical, thermal, and morphological behavior of glass–carbon PA66/PTFE hybrid nano-composites

Abstract

The combined effect of micro- and nano-fillers on mechanical, thermal, and morphological behavior of glass–carbon hybrid composite (GC) has been studied. Three material systems were selected for the study: hybrid glass–carbon fiber–reinforced 80 wt.% PA66–20 wt.% PTFE blend (GC), GC/micro-fillers (MoS2, SiC, Al2O3) (GCM), and GCM/nano-filler (Al2O3) (GCN). These composites were produced by the melt mix method using the extrusion technique followed by injection molding. It is found from the experimentation that the effect of micro-fillers impaired the mechanical behavior of micro-composites (GCM). The combined effect of micro- and nano-fillers slightly deteriorated the tensile and flexural behavior but improved the impact property of nano-composites (GCN). The synergistic effect between micro- and nano-fillers constrained the loss in strength of nano-composites at a higher temperature slightly exhibiting thermal stability. Further, it was observed from the morphological study through SEM photographs that the fractured surfaces were characterized by fiber fracture, severe deformation, and slight agglomeration of nano-particles in composite system.