Influence of SiC/Si3N4 Hybrid Nanoparticles on Polymer Tensile Properties

Abstract

Nanostructured silicon carbide (SiC)/silicon nitride (Si3N4) hybrid nanoparticles exhibit a high-potential for reinforcement of polymers. In the present investigation, silicon carbide (β-SiC) nanoparticles (~30 nm) were sonochemically coated on acicular silicon nitride (~100 nm × 800 nm) particles to increase the thermal and mechanical properties of Nylon-6 nanocomposite fibers. To produce Nylon-6/(SiC/Si3N4) nanocomposite fibers, we have followed a two-step process. In the first step, SiC nanoparticles were coated on Si3N4 nanorods using a sonochemical method and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide surfactant. In the second step, the SiC coated Si3N4 hybrid nanoparticles were blended with Nylon-6 polymer and extruded in the form of nanocomposite polymer fibers. The nanocomposite fibers were uniformly stretched and stabilized using a two-set Godet roll machine. The diameters of the extruded neat Nylon-6 and SiC/Si3N4/Nylon-6 nanocomposite fibers were measured using a scanning electron microscope and then tested for their tensile and thermal properties. These results were compared with the neat Nylon-6 polymer fibers. These results clearly indicate that the as-prepared nanocomposite polymer fibers are much higher in tensile strength (242%) and Young’s modulus (716%) as compared to the neat polymer fibers.