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Hybrid nylon-6/silica nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2011

Monserrat García ,
Werner E. van Zyl  and
Henk Verweij
Monserrat García
Affiliation:
Inorganic Materials Science Group, MESA+ Research Institute, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
Werner E. van Zyl
Affiliation:
Inorganic Materials Science Group, MESA+ Research Institute, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands
Henk Verweij
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210–1178, USA.
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Abstract

The study involves the development of new strategies to form technically interesting hybrid nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties. In particular, a new ‘dissolution’ preparative route was developed which incorporates silica nanoparticles (<30 nm) into a nylon-6 matrix. The procedure relies on the judicious choice of organic solvent and pH control. The synthesis involves the dissolution of nylon-6 in formic acid followed by silica particle addition (as an acidified, monodisperse sol) with stirring. Viscous solutions were prepared under cleanroom conditions and casted as thin films which are dried and vacuum treated at ∼60°C. TEM images revealed that the silica particles i.) retained their original shape and size (10–30 nm), ii.) are mono-dispersed and iii.) mainly non-agglomerated. The degree of crystallinity of the composites was determined with XRD as a function of percentage filler added. The nylon-6 phase is semi-crystalline while the silica phase is amorphous. Initial mechanical tests on the composites were conducted and showed with 1wt% silica addition, the E modulus was increased to ∼2600 MPa. The increase in mechanical properties may be a result of the nanosize filler particles which has good synergy with the nylon matrix. Friction and wear properties were also investigated on a pin on disk tribometer by running a flat pin of steel against the composite disc.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 740: Symposium I – Nanomaterials for Structural Applications , 2002 , I1.9
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2003

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References

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