Studies on Mechanical, Thermal properties and Characterization of Nanocomposites of Nylon-6 –Thermoplastics Poly Urethane Rubber [TPUR] blend

Abstract

India) Abstract: Nylon6 is having low impact strength. To improve the impact strength nylon6 is modified with TPUR and nanoclays. Nylon-6 was melt mixed with nanoclay (1%, 3%, & 5%) and then melt blended with TPUR (Thermoplastic Poly Urethane Rubber) (15%) using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. Nanoclays used are Cloisite Na + (sodium montmorillonite)(MMT) and Cloisite 30B (organically modified montmorillonite) (O-MMT). Test specimens were made by using an injection molding machine for mechanical and thermal properties evaluation. Generally, higher tensile Strength, flexural strength and modulus were obtained with Cloisite 30B than that of Cloisite Na + since Cloisite 30B has more compatibility due to -OH groups present in the organic modifier. For 5% formulations, the flexural modulus is higher, and impact strength is lower. 1% cloisite 30B shows highest impact strength (33% Higher). The Tensile modulus is 16% higher with 5% Cloisite 30B. The elongation at break was lowered very much with cloisite30B from 185 % to 4%. The SEM micro photographs shows that the TPUR and Nylon6 are compatible and also in presence of the both type of nanofillers. DSC also confirms that nylon6-TPUR and nanocompsites with 30B are compatible. The XRD shows the intercalation of cloisite 30B of clay at 1 % and 3%. But at 5% clay incorporation it is not much intercalated. The thermal stability were improved for both types of nano composites as determined by TGA. The flammabililty test shows that cloisite Na + filled composites were having UL 94 V2; but, Cloisite 30B filled