Mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of polyoxymethylene nanocomposite for application in gears of diaphragm gas meters

Polyoxymethylene (POM) gears have significant roles in the accuracy, robustness and stability of diaphragm gas meters. Therefore, in an attempt to enhance the properties of POM, four different POM-Cloisite 20A nanocomposites were produced in this study. Later tensile and bending strengths, hardness and Vicat softening temperature test, TGA, DSC, SEM and XRD were employed to experimentally evaluate, compare and contrast the mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of those nano-composites. The results proved that proper melt-mixing of 1% nanoparticle into the polymer matrix could lead to an exfoliated nanocomposite that enhanced the mechanical properties (Young's modulus, yield stress, tensile and bending strengths and hardness) more than the other samples; however it reduced the degradation temperature. Finally, it did not significantly affect the melting temperature. These experimental results provide promising indications that the nano-based POM gears can exhibit better mechanical properties; hence ensuring an extended and robust performance of diaphragm gas meters.

Automated summary

Experimental results showed that the proper melt-mixing of 1% nanoparticles into the polymer matrix significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of POM-Cloisite 20A nanocomposites, while reducing the degradation temperature. Although it did not have a significant impact on the melting temperature, these findings suggest that nano-based POM gears can exhibit improved mechanical properties.