Reactive compatibilization of melt mixed PA6/SWNT composites:: Mechanical properties and morphology

Styrene maleic anhydride copolymer (SMA) encapsulated single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) were melt mixed with polyamide 6 (PA6) utilizing an interfacial reaction in order to disperse SWNT homogeneously and to enhance interfacial adhesion. The intended reactive coupling between PA6 and SMA was evident from IR spectroscopy. Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the SWNT and the nanocomposites. Studies on crystallization behavior showed the nucleating behavior of SWNT in the composites, as found using DSC and WAXD. The encapsulation of SWNT by SMA copolymer leads to increased elongation at break in the composites, which can be attributed to the enhanced interfacial adhesion between PA6 and SMA modified SWNT as observed from the SEM investigation of tensile fractured surfaces of PA6/SWNT+SMA composites. The glass transition temperature of PA6 increased significantly in the composites.