Multi-component Polyamide 11 Nanocomposites: Thermal, Mechanical, and Flammability Properties

Abstract

This paper is focused on the development of multi-component polyamide 11 (PA11) nanocomposite formulations with enhanced fire retardant (FR) properties for application in selective laser sintering (SLS). Test specimens of PA11 containing various percentages of intumescent FR additive, montmorillonite (MMT) clay, and carbon nanofiber (CNF) were prepared via melt compounding. The combined effects of MMT clay, CNF, FR additives on the thermal, mechanical, and flammability properties of these PA11 nanocomposites are studied. Izod impact testing, tensile testing, and SEM analysis of fracture surfaces are used to characterize mechanical properties. UL 94 and SEM analysis of burnt samples are used to characterize the flammability properties. Thermogravimetric analysis is used to characterize thermal stability and kinetic properties. Results are analyzed to determine any synergistic effects among the additives to the material properties of the PA11.