Epoxidized natural rubber-50 toughened polyamide 6 nanocomposites: The effect of epoxidized natural rubber-50 contents on morphological characterization, mechanical and thermal properties

Nanocomposites consisting of polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix with epoxidized natural rubber 50 (ENR-50) and organoclay-modified montmorillonite was prepared by melt blending in a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. The influence of varying amounts (0-30phr) of ENR-50 loadings on ENR-50-toughened PA6 nanocomposites was examined. Morphological characterizations and mechanical and thermal properties of the blend and nanocomposites were investigated. Addition of ENR-50 resulted in a decrease in the tensile strength and modulus, while impact strength enhanced until a maximum at 10wt% ENR-50. Thermal study revealed no significant change in the thermal properties with ENR-50 loadings. Exfoliated structure was observed using the x-ray diffraction patterns and was confirmed by transmission electron microscopic images. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed dispersed ENR-50 particles and increased rubber particles size with increasing ENR-50 loadings.