Effect of graphite and silicon carbide fillers on mechanical properties of PA6 polymer composites

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, the combined effect of different weight percentages of silicon carbide (SiC) and graphite (Gr) reinforcement on the mechanical properties of polyamide (PA6) composite is studied. Test specimens of pure PA6, 85 wt% PA6+10 wt% SiC+5 wt% Gr and 85 wt% PA6+5 wt% SiC+10 wt% Gr are prepared using an injection molding machine. The tensile, impact, hardness, morphology and thermal properties of the injection molded composites were investigated. The obtained results showed that mechanical properties, such as tensile and impact strength and modulus of the PA6 composites, were significantly higher than the pure PA6, and hybridization with silicon carbide and graphite further enhanced the performance properties, as well as the thermal resistance of the composites. The tensile fracture morphology and the characterization of PA6 polymer composites were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic methods. SEM observation of the fracture surfaces showed the fine dispersion of SiC and Gr for strong interfacial adhesion between fibers and matrix. The individual and combined reinforcing effects of silicon carbide and graphite on the mechanical properties of PA6 hybrid composites were compared and interpreted in this study. Improved mechanical properties were observed by the addition of small amount of SiC and Gr concurrently reinforced with the pure PA6. Finally, thermogravimetric analysis showed that the heat resistance of the composites tended to increase with increasing silicon carbide and graphite content simultaneously.