Mechanical behaviour and essential work of fracture of halloysite nanotubes filled polyamide 6 nanocomposites

• Published in: Composites science and technology Vol. 71; no. 16; pp. 1859 - 1866
• Main Authors: Prashantha, K., Schmitt, H., Lacrampe, M.F., Krawczak, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 14.11.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Nanocomposites; Applied sciences; B. Fracture toughness; B. Mechanical properties; Calorimetry; Chemical Sciences; Composites; D. Dynamic mechanical analysis; D. Scanning electron microscopy; Dispersions; Engineering Sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Fracture mechanics; Materials; Mechanics; Mechanics of materials; Nanocomposites; Nanotubes; Nucleation; Polyamide resins; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers; Technology of polymers; Toughening; D. Scanning electron microscopy; B. Mechanical properties; B. Fracture toughness; A. Nanocomposites; D. Dynamic mechanical analysis; Strengthening; Nanotube; Dispersion reinforced material; Composite material; Impact strength; Aliphatic polymer; Nanocomposite; Clay; Mechanical properties; Crystallinity; Experimental study; Masterbatch; Glass transition temperature; Tensile strength; Fracture toughness; Young modulus; Thermal properties; Amide 6 polymer; Concentration effect; Extrusion; Fracture mode
• ISSN: 0266-3538; 1879-1050
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2011.08.019

► Polyamide 6 (PA 6)/halloysite nanotubes (HNT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt extrusion compounding via masterbatch dilution process. Catalysts for partial oxidation and steam methane reforming. ► Upon halloysite addition, T g , storage modulus, Young modulus, tensile strength and notched Charpy impact strength increased without loss of ductility. ► Significant increase of the essential work of fracture of PA 6/HNT nanocomposites was noticed at HNTs contents as low as 4 wt.%. Polyamide 6 (PA 6)/halloysite nanotubes (HNT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt-extrusion compounding via masterbatch dilution process. A homogeneous dispersion of HNTs in PA 6 matrix was achieved. Differential scanning calorimetric measurements showed that addition of HNTs into PA 6 matrix enhanced the crystallization temperature and degree of crystallinity, thus indicating an effective nucleation induced by the addition of HNTs. Upon halloysite addition, glass transition temperature, storage modulus, Young modulus, tensile strength and notched Charpy impact strength increased without loss of ductility. For the first time, the essential work of fracture (EWF) concept was used to analyse the toughening and fracture behaviour of PA 6/HNT systems. Significant increase (+38%) of the essential work of fracture of PA 6/HNT nanocomposites was noticed at HNTs contents as low as 4 wt.%.