Study on the properties of polyamide 6 blended with melamine polyphosphate and layered silicates

In this study, the flame retardancy and physical properties of polyamide 6, melt processed in a twin-screw extruder with various amounts of melamine polyphosphate and layered silicates, were examined. Generally, there were indications that exfoliated nanocomposites were produced. During compounding, the presence of layered silicates was found to result in polymer degradation, which was further enhanced by the addition of the flame retardant. The additives were also shown to restrain the ability of polyamide 6 for crystallization. Tensile modulus and tensile strength were substantially improved, however polymer's ductility deteriorated. The incorporation of the additives exerted a positive effect also on the flame retardancy of polyamide 6, leading to materials of UL94 V-2 classification. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.