Process modelling in Anionically Polymerised Polyamide-6 (APA6) for the in situ polymerisation of composite matrices

The in situ reactive formation of thermoplastics provides a new and powerful avenue for the generation of tougher, recyclable composite materials. A molten low viscosity monomer is combined with an activator and initiator mixture before being injected into a mould where a rapid, by-product free polymerisation process occurs. The by-product free, anionic ring opening polymerisation of polyamide-6 from -caprolactam is one such example of a well-developed and commercially available system. Whilst this system is commercially used for the casting of polymer structures, its potential for composite applications is yet to be exploited. Table 1 compares the system to that of an epoxy resin, comparing infusion viscosities, times, and temperatures, showcasing its suitability as a composite matrix