Platinum nanoparticle intercalated montmorillonite to enhance the char formation of polyamide 6 nanocomposites

Abstract

Organically modified montmorillonite (OMT) was used to disperse catalytically active Pt nanoparticles that influence the char formation processes of polyamide 6 (PA6). The Pt nanoparticles of varying particle size are generated in organically modified montmorillonite (Pt–OMTs) which are subsequently melt blended with PA6. The average particle size of Pt nanoparticles ranges from 9.2 to 21.6 nm as found by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The char formation mechanism is studied by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–IR). Infrared spectroscopy on the residue reveals the formation of unsaturated hydrocarbons during decomposition of PA6 nanocomposite which are crosslinked into a highly conjugated structure.