Studies on the mechanical and friction properties of polyamide 6-Cu/Si nanocomposites

Polyamide 6 nanocomposites reinforced with Cu/Si nanoparticles (PA6-Cu/Si) were prepared by the in-situ ring-opening polymerization of ?-caprolactam. The in-situ polymerization was critical for preventing the aggregation of Cu/Si nanoparticles. The Cu/Si nanoparticles in the nanocomposite retained their nano characteristics and were not oxidized by the amino groups in PA6. The structure of the as-fabricated PA6-Cu/Si nanocomposite was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis). The friction and wear resistance, mechanical strength, and antistatic performance of PA6-Cu/Si were also evaluated. The PA6 polymer chains prevent the Cu/Si nanoparticles from aggregation by coating the surface of the Cu/Si nanoparticles via physical adsorption or an electrostatic effect. The mass fraction of the Cu/Si nanoparticles also had a significant effect on the crystalline form of PA6. The γ crystalline form of PA6 was predominant at a high mass fraction of Cu/Si to PA6. Moreover, PA6-Cu/Si with improved mechanical properties and wear resistance was generated by tuning the amount of nano-Cu/Si filler added during the polymerization. PA6-Cu/Si with a nano-Cu/Si content of 0.5% possesses the highest tensile strength and wear resistance and shows promise in applications as a functional polymer-matrix composite.