Natural Fiber Blend-Nylon 6 Composites

In this study, engineering thermoplastic composites were prepared from natural fiber blendfilled nylon 6. Natural fiber blend from a mixture of kenaf, flax, and hemp fibers were added to nylon 6 using melt mixing to produce compounded pellets. The natural fibers/ nylon6 composites with varying concentrations of natural fibers (from 5 to 20 wt%) were prepared by injection molding. The tensile and flexural properties of the nylon 6 composites were increased significantly with the addition of the natural fiber blend. The maximum strength and modulus of elasticity for the nylon 6 composites were achieved at a natural fiber blend weight fraction of 20%. The Izod impact strength of composites decreased with the incorporation of natural fibers without any surface treatments and coupling agent. The melt flow index (MFI) also decreased with increasing natural fiber blend loading. The results of tensile and flexural modulus of elasticity (FMOE) are in accordance with the rheological data from the MFI measurements. The increase in the tensile and flexural properties indicated that efficient bonding occurred between the natural fibers and nylon 6. No fiber pullout was observed during the scanning electron microscopic analysis of the fracture surfaces. The higher mechanical results with lower density demonstrate that a natural fiber blend can be used as a sufficient reinforcing material for low-cost, eco-friendly composites in the automotive industry and in other applications such as the building and construction industries, packaging, consumer products, etc.POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. (c) 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers