Expandable graphite/polyamide-6 nanocomposites

Fawn M. Uhl, Qiang Yao, Hiroyoshi Nakajima, E. Manias, Charles A. Wilkie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

158 Scopus citations

Abstract

Polyamide-6 (PA-6)/graphite nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending, using a variety of graphites, including virgin graphite, expandable graphites and expanded graphite. The resulting nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimetry, and tensile mechanical analysis. Nanocomposite formation does occur, as denoted by the nanometre dispersion of graphite layers in the polymer matrix, and the dispersion depends on the graphite treatment. The material properties of the resulting composites are improved relative to the virgin/unfilled polymer; in particular, there is an enhancement of the thermal stability without any significant deterioration of the mechanical properties.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)70-84
Number of pages15
JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability
Volume89
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2005

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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