Study of the Degradability of PA6/Organoclay Nanocomposites

Abstract

The study of the degradability of PA6 / organoclay nanocomposites was evaluated to minimize the effects of plastic waste in the environment. The use of clays usually accelerates the degradation of nanocomposites. A regional clay (polyamide 6, Polyform - B300) and a quaternary ammonium salt (Cetremide (hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide) were used. The hybrids were obtained in a co-rotating twin screw extruder and the tensile and the impact specimens were obtained through injection. The infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the presence of the salt molecules in the modified bentonite and its organophilization. The XRD results of the hybrids indicate that the peak of the organophilic clay disappeared when incorporated into the polyamide, showing that all systems were exfoliated and/or partially exfoliated structure. The nanocomposites showed higher tensile mechanical properties when compared to the properties of pure polyamide, and the various conditions of aging influenced the degradation of these materials.