Structure–properties relationship in single polymer composites based on polyamide 6 prepared by in-mold anionic polymerization

Abstract

Single polymer composites (SPCs) based on polyamide 6 (PA6) were prepared by in-mold activated anionic ring-opening polymerization (AAROP) of capro- lactam in the presence of PA6 textile fibers. The influence of the reinforcing fibers content, their surface treatment, as well as of the temperature of AAROP upon the morphol- ogy, crystalline structure, and mechanical properties of the resulting SPCs was followed. The presence of oriented transcrystalline layer (TCL) on the surface of the rein- forcing fibers was demonstrated by means of microscopy methods. Its orientation and polymorph structure were determined by synchrotron wide-angle X-ray scattering. Studies on the mechanical behavior in tension of the SPCs showed a well-expressed growth of the stress at break (70–80 %) and deformation at break (up to 150–190 %) in composites with 15–20 wt% of reinforcements. The best mechanical properties were found in SPCs whose rein- forcing fibers were solvent-pretreated prior to AAROP in order to remove the original finish. In these samples a stronger adhesion at the fiber/matrix interface was proved by scanning electron microscopy of cryofractured samples. This effect was related to a thinner TCL in which the α-to-γ polymorph transition is impeded.