Preparation and characterization of graphene reinforced PA6 fiber

Abstract

ABSTRACTHere, we report the successful preparation of PA6/GO composite fibers through in situ polymerization and the melting spinning method. The results suggest that graphene has induced only minor changes on the relative viscosity yet exhibits significant effects on the crystallization characteristics. The SEM images of the fibers have shown several expended borders as a consequence of graphene addition. The maximum strength of the composite fibers (5.3 cN/dtex) has been reached 0.05 wt % graphene added to the system; the draw ratio was equaled to 3.8. Compared to the neat PA6 fiber, the fibers with graphene displayed superior creep resistance features; the creep rate constant was 0.38 at a 0.05 graphene concentration, with a draw ratio of 3.5. The approach employed in this research paves the way towards PA6/graphene nanocomposites have been prepared through in situ polymerization using caprolactam and graphene oxide/water pulp as starting materials. In situ polymerization approach facilitated a superior interaction between PA6 and graphene. Compared to graphene oxide powder, the graphene oxide in water pulp has prevented the agglomeration when added to the caprolactam melt, leading to its enhanced dispersion within the system. PA6/graphene as‐spun fiber has been produced by the mean of melt‐spinning strategy using a melt‐spinning machine, obtaining products with different draw ratios after drawing at 120 °C. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45834.