Nylon 6/organoclay nanocomposites by extrusion

Montmorillonite‐layered silicates were modified with one tertiary alkylammonium salt (ALAS), to obtain nylon 6/montmorillonite nanocomposites. Nanocomposites were prepared by direct polymer melt‐intercalation, using two kinds of devices: twin‐screw extruder and a Brabender Plasticorder. Composites were made with different load clay to see the effect of them in the nylon composites. The modified clay was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and liquid nitrogen sorption; to evidence the intercalation of the ALAS among the layers of the montmorillonite. The nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, TGA, capillary rheometry, and mechanical tensile testing. The organoclay was well dispersed into the nylon 6 matrix when compounded with the twin‐screw extruder, but the use of a Brabender Plasticorder was less effective. The mechanical properties were modified, and the tensile modulus showed a relevant change compared with the pristine nylon 6.