Effect of hybridization on camphor soot-embedded palmyra fiber-reinforced nylon nanocomposites

Abstract

In the present study camphor soot filled palmyra fiber reinforced nylon 6 hybrid nano composites (CPFNnC) were prepared using a twin -screw extruder with different wt. % (0, 3, 6, 9). These composites were characterized to study the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties. Thermo gravimetric Analysis (TGA) showed marginal increase in thermal stability with 6wt. % CPFNnC. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) curves showed a slight increment in the melting point in CPFNnC while degradation temperature decreased with fiber contents. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) indicated with maximum storage modulus for 6wt. % CPFNnC at 803 MPa compared with fiber free nylon-6 (696 MPa at 25 °C). Tan δ for 3 wt. % CPFNnC showed better damping effect due to the existence of palmyra fibers. Creep results indicated that, CPFNnC contains 6 wt.% fibers has minimum depth impression of 0.124 mm compared to fiber free nylon with 0.146 mm. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) revealed uniform distribution of modified palmyra fibers in the matrix and brittle fracture was observed in the CPFNnC. Compared to fiber free nylon-6, the tensile strength, flexural strength and density of the CPFNnC increased with increase in fiber content, however the impact strength and a lower Melt Flow Index (MFI) properties were found declined.