Melt state properties of nylon-11 and its exfoliated silicate nanocomposite were monitored
during extrusion compounding using an on-line dielectric slit die sensor, and solid-state properties were
probed off-line below the melting temperature by a dielectric spectrometer. A comprehensive relaxation
master map for nylon-11 and its exfoliated clay nanocomposite featuring six relaxation modes in both
melt and semicrystalline states revealed changes in molecular dynamics upon the addition of nanofillers.
α relaxation was observed in the neat resin as well as the composite, and a Maxwell−Wagner−Sillars
(MWS) relaxation was detected in the composite melt yet absent from the neat molten nylon. The MWS
relaxation mode, which exhibited a broader relaxation time distribution and a much greater dielectric
intensity compared to the α relaxation, resulted from polarization at the filler/polymer interfaces. MWS
can be used to distinguish the neat polymer from the composite during real-time processing. The presence
of exfoliated clay particles accelerated the α relaxation dynamics in the semicrystalline state as
delaminated silicate platelets diminished the intermolecular cooperativity of the amorphous chains.
Randomization of molecular dipoles upon increasing temperature was only observed in the neat nylon.
Hindered molecular dipole orientation due to the rigid silicate fillers in the nanocomposite was observed.
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