Studies on nylon 6 clay nanocomposites by melt-intercalation process

The preparation of nylon 6/clay nanocomposites by a melt-intercalation proc ess is proposed. X-ray diffraction and DSC results show that the crystal st ructure and crystallization behaviors of the nanocomposites are different f rom those of nylon 6. Mechanical and thermal testing shows that the propert ies of the nanocomposites are superior to nylon 6 in terms of the heat-dist ortion temperature, strength, and modulus without sacrificing their impact strength. This is due to the nanoscale effects and the strong interaction b etween the nylon 6 matrix and the clay interface, as revealed by X-ray diff raction, transmission electron microscopy, and Molau testing. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.