PA6

PA6 nanocomposite is based on the semi-crystalline thermoplastic
polymer polyamide 6 (= Nylon 6), filled with exfoliated layered silicate
platelets. The most striking difference compared with unfilled PA6 is the
much higher Young's Modulus. The difference in Young's Modulus is also way above Tg, therefore the material can be applied at much higher temperatures.
Other advantages are a highly reduced creep, much better barrier
properties and slow moisture uptake, a reduced flammability, a glossy
surface and a much lower density that glass- and talc filled compounds.

Specific properties
Density: 1.15 g/cm3 (unfilled PA6 1.14)

Mechanical properties: Very high Young's Modulus (ca. 4.6 GPa, unfilled PA6
ca. 2.9 GPa). The Young's Modulus remains also at high temperatures (above Tg)
and after moisture absorption much higher than unfilled PA6. Relatively
low strain at break (ca. 4%, similar to glass filled PA6).

Thermal properties: Tg = 60 °C, Tm = 220 °C, (both equal for PA6 and
nanocomposite). HDT ca. 150 °C (unfilled PA6 ca. 70 °C).

Chemical resistance: Very good resistance against oil and many organic
solvents, good resistance to bases and weak acids, but not strong
acids. High temperatures in combination with water can cause
degradation of mechanical properties.

Colour/surface
White translucent with glossy surface. Can easily be coloured. The surface
of nanocomposites is much smoother than compounds with glass fibers
due to the extremely small particles.

Processing
Injection mouldable at a melting temperature of 240 - 280 °C and a mould
temperature of 55-80 °C. Viscosity is somewhat higher than unfilled PA6.
It can also be processed using extrusion, film blowing and fiber spinning.

Applications
PA6 nanocomposites have only recently become available
commercially; the amount of products in which it is applied is still
limited. First applications and further possibilities can be found in:
- Automotive industry: is used for many parts under the bonnet of a car, this is due to the stiffness at high temperatures and resistance to oil and fuels.
- Food packaging industry: good barrier properties mean
oxygen can be kept away from the product and CO2
remains inside.
- Aerospace: better high temperature stiffness with reduced
flammability may introduce possibilities in aerospace applications.
Due to the small size of the particles nanocomposites can also
be used as matrix material for fiber composites.