Ultrasound assisted process of PA6/clay nanocomposites: mechanical, rheological and barrier properties

Polymer/clay nanocomposites were prepared by the single screw extruder with an attached die to an ultrasound of variable amplitude. The structure and morphology of nanocomposites were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mechanical properties such as Young's modulus, elongation, breaking stress, toughness, yield stress and yield stain of ultrasonically treated nanocomposites were changed significantly in comparison to untreated nanocomposites. From rheology data, it was found that the complex viscosities of nanocomposites were increased with clay loading and decreased after ultrasonic treatment. It was found that both clay and ultrasonic intensity played a vitalrole in the dispersion of clay in the polymer matrix. From the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) results it was found that the addition of clay in the nylon 6 matrix leads to a decrease of crystallization and this property increased ultrasonic amplitude. The oxygen permeability of PA6/clay nanocomposites was measured and it was found that a substantial reduction in oxygen permeability was observed by increasing clay loading.