Effect of nanofiller on the behavior of a melt‐drawn <scp>HDPE/PA6</scp> microfibrillar composite

Abstract

ABSTRACT Microfibrillar composites (MFCs) with reinforcing fibrils formed in situ by melt drawing were modified by the addition of layered silicates using different mixing protocols, viz simultaneous addition of components, application of respective premade nanocomposites and their combinations. The objective was to combine reinforcement with changes in the final structure, especially the fibril dimensions. The presented results indicate good potential of the nanoclay to enhance the MFC based on the melt‐drawn HDPE/PA6 system. The best mechanical behavior was achieved with the simultaneous addition of all components. The majority of the nanofiller material was contained inside the PA6 fibrils. Both fibrils dimensions and mechanical behavior were significantly affected by the nanofiller migration to the PA6 phase in the course of mixing and melt drawing. Due to a complex effect of the clay, deterioration of mechanical properties was also found. As a result, numerous, in some cases contradictory, effects of nanofillers must be perfectly harmonized to improve the properties of MFCs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132 , 41868.