Abstract
The aim of this study is the preparation of star-shaped branched polyamides (sPA6) with low melt viscosity, but also with improved mechanical properties by reactive extrusion. This configuration has been obtained by grafting a tri-functional, three-armed molecule: 5-aminoisophthalic-acid, used as a linking agent (LA). The balance between the fluidity, polarity and mechanical properties of sPA6s is the reason why these materials have been investigated for the impregnation of fabrics in the manufacture of thermoplastic composites. For these impregnation processes, the low viscosity of the melt has allowed the processing parameters (temperature, pressure and time) to be reduced, and its new microstructure has allowed the mechanical properties of virgin thermoplastic resins to be maintained. A significant improvement in the ultrasonic welding processes of the composites was also found when an energy director based on these materials was applied at the interface. In this work, an exhaustive microstructural characterization of the obtained sPAs is presented and related to the final properties of the composites obtained by film stacking.
Highlights
Academic Editor: Annamaria ViscoIn recent years, special attention has been given to the research of more sustainable polymeric materials to replace the thermosetting matrix of composites based on fiber fabrics.The main problems associated with the use of thermoset composites are related to their low recyclability, as this matrix cannot flow once the composite is manufactured due to the irreversible cross-linked network that is formed
It should be noted that in any thermoplastic composite welding process, specimens of the composite made with the star-branched polyamide showed a stronger lack of intimate contact or wetting at the welding interface would preclude the formation of weld
This study was focused on the design of a special grade of polyamide by reactive extrusion for application in fabrics’ impregnation
Summary
Special attention has been given to the research of more sustainable polymeric materials to replace the thermosetting matrix of composites based on fiber fabrics. The main problems associated with the use of thermoset composites are related to their low recyclability, as this matrix cannot flow once the composite is manufactured due to the irreversible cross-linked network that is formed. The use of thermoplastic matrices in the manufacturing of composites has been recently discussed in the literature to increase process rates [4–7]. These matrices can melt and solidify in very short times, which translate into very low cycle times and greater economic profitability. Our research group has been working on modifying different thermoplastic matrices to find ways to overcome this issue, through the rheological modification of recycled polyester [8,9]
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