Characterization of Polyamide 6/Multilayer Graphene Nanoplatelet Composite Textile Filaments Obtained Via In Situ Polymerization and Melt Spinning

Abstract

Studies of the production of fiber-forming polyamide 6 (PA6)/graphene composite material and melt-spun textile fibers are scarce, but research to date reveals that achieving the high dispersion state of graphene is the main challenge to nanocomposite production. Considering the significant progress made in the industrial mass production of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs), this study explored the feasibility of production of PA6/GnPs composite fibers using the commercially available few-layer GnPs. To this aim, the GnPs were pre-dispersed in molten ε-caprolactam at concentrations equal to 1 and 2 wt %, and incorporated into the PA6 matrix by the in situ water-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactam, which was followed by melt spinning. The results showed that the incorporated GnPs did not markedly influence the melting temperature of PA6 but affected the crystallization temperature, fiber bulk structure, crystallinity, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, GnPs increased the PA6 complex viscosity, which resulted in the need to adjust the parameters of melt spinning to enable continuous filament production. Although the incorporation of GnPs did not provide a reinforcing effect of PA6 fibers and reduced fiber tensile properties, the thermal stability of the PA6 fiber increased. The increased melt viscosity and graphene anti-dripping properties postponed melt dripping in the vertical flame spread test, which consequently prolonged burning within the samples.

Supramolecular exfoliation of layer silicate clay by novel cationic pillar[5]arene intercalants

“…For example, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and graphite comprise stacked graphene films, while natural clays possess layered silicate sheets 4 – 9 . It is difficult to change the structure of a multilayered material into a single layer because the multilayered structure is thermodynamically stable 10 . Therefore, the exfoliation of each layer of a multilayered material requires external stimuli, such as high temperatures and/or destructive forces 11 .…”

Microfiber Fabricated via Microfluidic Spinning toward Tissue Engineering Applications

“…At present, there are many methods for the preparation of microfibers, such as melt spinning, [ 8 ] electrostatic spinning, [ 9,10 ] and wet spinning. [ 11,12 ] However, these spinning methods can often affect the activity of cells during the spinning process, due to the high temperature and pressure, organic solvent residues, or high shear stress, therefore are not ideal for direct encapsulating of cells.…”

“…Furthermore, microfibers can be assembled into functional 3D structures via folding, binding, and weaving, [5] simulating the physiological microenvironment, which has wide application prospects in the fields of 3D cell culture, functional tissue construction, and biomedical research. [6,7] At present, there are many methods for the preparation of microfibers, such as melt spinning, [8] electrostatic spinning, [9,10] and wet spinning. [11,12] However, these spinning methods can often affect the activity of cells during the spinning process, due to the high temperature and pressure, organic solvent residues, or high shear stress, therefore are not ideal for direct encapsulating of cells.…”

Study of Viscoelastic Behavior and Mechanical Characteristics of Graphene-Filled ABS Composites

“…They characterized the properties using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Thermo gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM)and made the analytical inference of storage modulus and damping factor by Einstien and Neilson method, respectively [18]. It was noticed that the dispersion of graphene oxide made efficient chain grafting and improved the bonding between the matrix and filler [19]- [20].…”