In-Situ Polymerization of High-Molecular Weight Nylon 66 Modified Clay Nanocomposites with Low Apparent Viscosity

Abstract

High-molecular weight nylon 66/modified clay (Mclay) nanocomposites with a low apparent viscosity were prepared by in-situ polymerization and post solid-state polycondensation. Thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction patterns of the Mclay revealed that cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide successfully inserted into the interlayers of the clay. Scanning electron microscope images of the cross sections showed that the Mclay was well-dispersed in the nylon 66 matrix. The effects of clay on the mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated using an Instron 5969 machine, a capillary rheometer, and a differential scanning calorimeter. The results indicated that the incorporation of a very small amount of Mclay considerably decreased the shear viscosity of the nanocomposites and increased the melt index, acting as a viscosity reducer. More importantly, the mechanical properties and spinnability of the nylon 66/Mclay nanocomposites were not affected by the viscosity reducer.