Effects of organoclay on the mechanical properties and microstructure of PA6/ECO blend

Abstract

Polyamide-6 (PA6)/poly(epichlorohydrin- co-ethylene oxide) (ECO)/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites were prepared via a two-step melt blending process. The effects of organoclay (6 wt.%) and ECO content (5, 10, and 15 wt.%) on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the PA6/ECO blend were studied. The microstructure of the nanocomposite was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the rubber particles were dispersed throughout the entire polyamide matrix and the organoclay platelets were partially exfoliated in both the PA6 and ECO phases. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite samples revealed that the Young’s modulus and yield stress of the blend increased with the addition of organoclay particles. The impact strength of PA6 and PA6 nanocomposite samples improved as the ECO content increased. Investigation of the structural changes in PA6 confirms the transition of the γ-structure into the α-structure, induced by ECO loading, which affects the impact behavior of the nanocomposites. Water absorption results showed the amount of water absorption was reduced in PA6/ECO nanocomposites as compared to unfilled samples.