Mechanical properties and morphology of nylon-6 hybrid composites

In this investigation, the influence of filler type and filler content on the mechanical properties of nylon-6 is investigated. The mineral fillers were selected on the basis of their shape and size: flake-like kaolin and talc, spherical glass beads or fibrous wollastonite. These fillers were added to nylon-6 individually or in mixed combinations. They were added at different percentages varying between 10 and 30% w/w. Samples of the composites were prepared by the injection moulding process. Uniaxial tensile, Izod impact and flexural tests were carried out. Tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity and impact energy were obtained and compared. In case of single fillers the results showed that the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and their flexural values for nylon-6 composite improve with the increase in filler content while mixed compounds showed no significant changes above 15% + 15% w/w filler. However, for single and mixed filler up to 10% w/w, the impact strength and maximum elongation at break showed significant decrease. In general, the maximum improvement in mechanical the addition of 10-15% w/w filler. (C) 2003 Society of Chemical Industry