The Studies of Phase Structure and Physical Properties Relationships of Polyamide 46-Based Nanocomposites

In the 1990’s, a new engineering thermoplastic, polyamide 46 (PA 46) was commercialized by DSM company. Compared with other popular polyamides (e.g., PA 6 and PA 66), PA 46 offers attractive properties in its higher melting temperature, higher crystallinity, and higher stiffness etc. The properties of PA 46, in fact, stem from a highly symmetrical molecular structure and a relatively higher amide linkage content per unit length of chain. PA 46 is thus recognized that can bridge the property gap between conventional engineering plastics such as PA 66 and polyesters, and exotic materials such as liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) and polysulfone. Nevertheless, the studies on PA 46-related materials are limited. In order to extend its versatility, PA 46 must be used as blends and/or composites in the future. In this 2-year project, the PA 46-based nanocomposites will be prepared and characterized in detail. In the first year, PA 46/organoclay nanocomposites with different amounts of organoclay will be investigated. Additionally, various tougheners will be added into the PA 46/organoclay nanocomposites to develop toughened PA 46/organoclay nanocomposites. In the second year, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) will be used as the nanofillers, instead of organoclays, to prepare PA 46/MWNT nanocomposites. The studies on structure-properties relationship of the prepared nanocomposites will be focused. The instruments/equipments that will be employed for this research project include: DSC, TGA, PLM, FESEM/EDS, TEM, WAXD, SAXS, Rheometer, Twin Screw Extruder, Internal Mixer, Tensile/Impact Tester etc.

Project ID:PB9709-0744
External Project ID:NSC97-2221-E182-014-MY2