Investigation on the properties of PA 6/PE/nanoclay composites

In this study, polyamide 6 (PA 6) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) polymers, compatibilizer (C) Maleic Anhydride grafted Polyethylene (PE-g-MA) and nano-clay (NC) were used. The aim of this study is to investigate the tribological, thermal and mechanical behaviours of blends and composites produced by nano-clay, compatibilizer. All materials were produced by twin-screw extruder and then formed by an injection moulding machine. Wear rate, friction coefficient of the blends and composites produced were evaluated. A pin-on-disc wear test apparatus were used for the determination of coefficient of friction and wear rate values. In the tribological tests, the applied loads of 80 N, 120 N and 160 N and the speeds of 1 m/s-2 m/s were chosen. Sliding distance was selected as 10000 m. In order to investigate the effect of compatibilizer and nano-clay on the mechanical properties of the blends and composites produced, tests such as tensile test, flexural test, hardness, izod impact test and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed. Thermal decomposition temperature (HDT), Vicat softening temperature (VST), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) experiments were also employed to collect data on the thermal properties of composites. Finally, for microstructural characterization of blends and composites, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and optical microscope were used to characterize microstructure of composites and their worn surface.