Influence of the Processing Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of PA 6 - Halloysite Nanotubes Nanocomposites for Injection Moulding

Abstract

Nowadays polymer based nanocomposites are very interesting to manufacture products of less weight and higher mechanical properties and specific performance depending on the morphology of nanoscaled reinforcement. Most of these potential improvements are focused to the challenges newer products require like HEV (hybrid or electrical vehicles) for example. The development of these new products requires the full characterization of the rheological and mechanical behavior of the materials and the correct preparation of the raw material for further processing. As an example two nanocomposite blends were prepared letting down a masterbach of PA6+30% HNT (Halloysite nanotubes) to 3% and 6% of HNT content in a PA6 matrix of (BADADUR). The letting down process was developed in an extrusion-compounding machine (COPERION ZSK 26) and the rheological behavior was determined in a capillar rheometer obtaining the viscosity curves of the material needed for injection molding simulation. The products obtained were used for injection molding of test specimens in an electrical injection machine (JSW EL II 85). In addition, the letting down process was done directly in the injection machine in order to establish the relevance of the previous extrusion process. The probes obtained were analyzed by DSC and FTIR to determine the functional groups of the resultant product and SEM and TEM to determine the quality of the dispersion of the nanotubes. The probes were finally tested to determine its stiffness and tensile properties. The results showed the feasibility to develop parts made of nanocomposite with improved performance with scaled industry equipment with natural reinforcements..