Development and Characterization of Polyamide-10, 6/Organoclay Nanocomposites

Polyamide (PA-10, 6) with long alkane segments between amide groups was synthesized using sebacic acid and paradiaminobenzene. Organoclay was incorporated into the polyamide through the extrusion process. The structural characterizations, thermal properties, and molar mass of the polyamide nanocomposites were determined using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry (TG), and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, respectively. Tensile strength and Young's modulus of these polymers were measured using a Universal Test Instrument. FT-IR confirmed the presence of organics in the modified clay product. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction results indicated that the nanoclay platelets were agglomerated in the polyamide matrix. Mechanical behavior and degradation kinetics of the polyamide nanocomposites are reported and discussed.