Synergistic modification of continuous fiber reinforced Nylon‐6 composites with nano calcium carbonate and polyurethane

Abstract

Continuous fiber reinforced Nylon‐6 composites with high strength have been widely used in automotive, wind turbine blades, aerospace, and military fields. Here, we present a synergistically reinforced strategy to enhance the mechanical properties of the continuous glass‐fiber reinforced Nylon‐6 (CGF/PA6) and basalt‐fiber reinforced Nylon‐6 (CBF/PA6) composites via in‐situ polymerization, simultaneously employing thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and modified calcium carbonate (M‐CaCO3) as the toughening and strengthening materials. The micro‐morphology, mechanical properties, thermostability, water absorption, and flowability of composites are investigated. Significantly, the synergistic effect of TPU and M‐CaCO3 can improve mechanical properties, thermal stability (335.6 and 396.5°C in the T50%), and flowability (43.02 and 40.56 g/10 min) of the modified continuous glass‐fiber reinforced Nylon‐6 (M‐CGF/PA6) and basalt‐fiber reinforced Nylon‐6 (M‐CBF/PA6) composites, especially the high tensile strength (96.07 and 217.43 MPa) and impact strength (95.03 and 206.36 kJ/m2) which increases by 8.53% and 5.18% for the tensile strength and 91.25% and 100.27% for impact strength compared with the unmodified CGF/PA6 composites and CBF/PA6 composites. This work provides theoretical support for continuous fiber reinforced Nylon‐6 composites.Highlights Continuous fiber reinforced Nylon‐6 Composites is prepared by in situ polymerization. In situ polymerization is beneficial to the good impregnation of continuous fibers and uniform dispersion of modified calcium carbonate (M‐CaCO3). The modified continuous fiber can improve the interfacial bonding properties of composites. The TPU and M‐CaCO3 synergistically reinforce the mechanical properties of composites. The M‐CaCO3 nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in the composites.