Influence of SiC/Si₃N₄ Hybrid Nanoparticles on Polymer Tensile Properties

Abstract

Nanostructured silicon carbide (SiC)/silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) hybrid nanoparticles exhibit a high-potential for reinforcement of polymers. In the present investigation, silicon carbide ( -SiC) nanoparticles (∼30 nm) were sonochemically coated on acicular silicon nitride (∼100 nm × 800 nm) particles to increase the thermal and mechanical properties of Nylon-6 nanocomposite fibers. To produce Nylon-6/(SiC/Si 3 N 4 ) nanocomposite fibers, we have followed a two-step process. In the first step, SiC nanoparticles were coated on Si 3 N 4 nanorods using a sonochemical method and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide surfactant. In the second step, the SiC coated Si 3 N 4 hybrid nanoparticles were blended with Nylon-6 polymer and extruded in the form of nanocomposite polymer fibers. The nanocomposite fibers were uniformly stretched and stabilized using a two-set Godet roll machine. The diameters of the extruded neat Nylon-6 and SiC/Si 3 N 4 /Nylon-6 nanocomposite fibers were measured using a scanning electron microscope and then tested for their tensile and thermal properties. These results were compared with the neat Nylon-6 polymer fibers. These results clearly indicate that the as-prepared nanocomposite polymer fibers are much higher in tensile strength (242%) and Young's modulus (716%) as compared to the neat polymer fibers.

Crystalline structure and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) filament embedded with nanosize clay particles

“…However, the strength of the filament decreased with a small increase in elongation. This is an unexpected result when compared to the reports on the positive effect of nanopowders on the mechanical properties of hybrid polymers …”

Synthesis and structural, morphological, compositional, optical and electrical properties of DBSA-doped PPy–WO3 nanocomposites

“…Moreover, the DBSA-doped PPy-WO 3 nanocomposites demonstrates prominent diffraction peaks of WO 3 , indicating that the PPy and DBSA have no influence on its crystallinity. This suggests a uniform dispersion of the WO 3 nanoparticles in the DBSA-doped PPy-WO 3 hybrid nanocomposites without serious agglomeration [29]. …”