Preparation and characterization of heterocyclic polyamide 6 (PA 6) with high transparencies and low hygroscopicities

• Published in: Journal of molecular structure Vol. 1175; pp. 836 - 843
• Main Authors: Lai, Chiu-Chun, Chen, Shih-You, Chen, Meng-Hsin, Chen, Hsin-Lung, Hsiao, Ho-Ting, Liu, Lung-Chang, Chen, Chien-Ming
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 05.01.2019
• Subjects: Heterocyclic; Hygroscopicity; Physical property; Polyamide 6; Transparency; Physical property; Polyamide 6; Transparency; Hygroscopicity; Heterocyclic
• ISSN: 0022-2860; 1872-8014
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2018.08.032

A heterocyclic polyamide 6 (i.e. caprolactam (CPL; 90 mol%)/sebacic acid (SBA; 5 mol%)/1,3-cyclohexanebis (methylamine)(CHM; 5 mol%) copolyamide) with superior transparency, haze, hygroscopicity and crystallinity to an ordinary polyamide 6 (PA 6) based on CPL (100 mol%) have prepared by the design of appropriate prescriptions. The transparency, haze, hygroscopicity, and crystallinity of lab-made heterocyclic PA 6 are 86.5%, 13.2%, 1.36% (24hr)/1.89% (48hr), and 11.5%, respectively, while those of PA 6 are 26.0%, 94.2%, 1.80% (24hr)/2.45% (48hr), and 24.0%, respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that physical properties of lab-made heterocyclic PA 6 deeply depend on its heterocyclic structure and introduction of SBA and CHM into PA 6 can effectively improves optical, hygroscopic, thermal decomposition, and crystalline characteristics of PA 6, revealing that it is a highly potential polymeric material for optical films, electrical encapsulation, and food packages. •A novel polyamide was prepared by the proper recipe.•The polyamide exhibits good physical properties.•The polyamide with low moisture absorption is transparent.•The polyamide possesses superior optical and hygroscopic performances to PA 6.•The polyamide is a potential polymer for optical films and package applications.