Nylon 6 nanocomposites by melt compounding

Nylon 6-organoclay nanocomposites were prepared via direct melt compounding using a conventional twin screw extruder. The mechanical properties and mo rphology of these nanocomposites were determined and compared to similar ma terials made by an in situ polymerization process. The organoclay was well exfoliated into the nylon 6 matrix when compounded with the twin screw extr uder but use of a single screw extruder was far less effective. The mechani cal properties of the organoclay nanocomposites were significantly increase d with marginal decrease of ductility and showed much greater values than g lass fiber composites. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.