Crystallization controlled by silicate surfaces in nylon 6-clay nanocomposites

Full Paper: The crystallization behavior of pure nylon 6 (N6) and its nanocomposite with montmorillonite has been studied in detail. The crystallization rate of N6 is faster in the presence of clay compared to pure N6, as revealed by light scattering experiments. Nylon 6 crystallizes exclusively in the gamma-form in the nanocomposite because of the epitaxial crystallization, which is also revealed from the transmission electron microscopic images (sandwiched structure) of the crystallized sample. The storage modulus of the nanocomposite is always higher than the pure nylon 6, irrespective of crystallization temperatures. Much higher increment of storage modulus for pure nylon 6 with increasing crystallization temperature is explained by the higher amount of the thermally stable alpha-form at higher temperature. A unique mechanism has been proposed to illustrate the crystallization behavior of nylon 6 in the presence of the clay particles. Transmission electron micrograph of N6C3.7 crystallized at 210degreesC, showing the typical shish-kebab type of structure.