The thermal expansion of reinforced nylon‐6 composites through the matrix glass transition temperature

Abstract

AbstractThe coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of nylon‐6 reinforced with particulate filler, short glass fibers, and long‐to‐continuous glass fibers was measured between −30 and 170°C. As the reinforcement level, the reinforcement aspect ratio, or degree of orientation increases, the linear CTE decreases. The Tg range for the composite system is equal to the Tg for the pure nylon‐6 matrix. An unexpected result is observed when the nylon‐6 is reinforced with long or continuous glass fibers in random planar orientation and the weight fraction of reinforcement exceeds 10 percent. In this case, the longitudinal linear CTE (parallel to the plane of the fibers) above the Tg is lower than the longitudinal linear CTE below the Tg. Analysis of the mathematical descriptions of composite thermal behavior indicates that an extremely low composite modulus in the transverse direction above the Tg may be a cause for this low CTE. The differences in CTE between short fiber and long fiber reinforced compositions indicate that the critical fiber length for thermal stress transfer may be higher than the critical fiber length for mechanical stress transfer.