Properties of talc/wollastonite/polyamide 6 hybrid composites

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PA6 hybrid composites containing talc and wollastonite. Talc and wollastonite filled single and hybrid composites were prepared with melt compounding in a twin screw extruder. The filler content was 40% by weight and the wollastonite/talc ratio was 40/0, 30/10, 20/20, 10/30, and 40/0. The melt flow rate measurements showed that incorporation of fillers into the polyamide 6 (PA6) resulted in an increment in melt viscosity of composites. The presence of a homogeneous dispersion of fillers in the matrix was obtained from morphological analysis. It was revealed from the mechanical tests that in most cases, mechanical properties of 20/20 hybrid composites were significantly higher than that of the single and the other hybrid composites. Heat deflection temperature of the composite was markedly improved by the addition of fillers. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis showed that talc and wollastonite acted as a nucleating agent for PA6. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:739–746, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers