Synthesis And Characterization Of Nylon 66/montmorillonite Nanocomposite

Polymer melt intercalation is a promising new way to fabricate polymer layered-silicate nanocomposite by using conventional polymer melt blending technology. This method is simple and doesn't need any solvents, so it is convenient to be put into production. Treated with prudent chosen intercalation regent, hydrophilic montmorillonite becomes hydrophobic; the interlayer distance of montmorillonite is expanded and the compatibility of montmorillonite with polymer matrix is improved. Montmorillonite disperses in the polymer matrix promoted by mechanical force and chemical interaction, which make it possible to prepare polymer/clay nanocomposite by melt intercalation process.At present, preparation of Nylon 6/montmorillonite nanocomposite is relatively mature, but there are few reports and articles about preparation of Nylon 66/montmorillonite nanocomposite. In this work, Nylon 66/montmorillonite nanocomposite was prepared; mechanical and heat properties were tested, and the structure and crystallization behavior of the composites were also characterized, which were compared with that of pure Nylon 66. The main results can be summarized as follows: 1. The Nylon 66/montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared by the melt intercalation process. The nanostructure features were revealedby WAXD and TEM. Most of the silicate layers were exfoliated into 10-100nm and randomly dispersed in the Nylon 66 matrix.2. The effect of nanometer montmorillonite on the nonisothermal crystallization behaviors of Nylon 66/montmorillonite nanocomposite were studied by DSC. Nonisothetmal crystallization kinetics of Nylon 66/montmorillonite was studied using Eopoxobckuu equation. The presence of nanometer montmorillonite in the composite makes the crystallization temperature and crystallization velocity rise. Activation energy of crystallization increases firstly, and then drops with augment of montmorillonite content. These show that existence of montmorillonite can change the nucleating mechanism and growth style of Nylon 66's crystallization process.3. The presence of montmorillonite makes the crystal size diminish markedly and makes the integrality of crystal reduce.4. Mechanical and heat properties of the composite are obviously improved, the comprehensive properties are heightened; and the reinforcing effect of montmorillonite is superior to that of conventional fillers.5. Treating ways of montmorillonite and techniques of melt intercalation have great effects on the dispersing conditions of montmorillonite in the Nylon 66 matrix.