The Influence of Blowing Agent Addition, Glass Fiber Filler Content and Mold Temperature on Selected Properties, Surface State and Structure of Injection Molded Parts from Polyamide 6

Abstract

The effects of blowing agent and glass fiber addition and also mold temperature on selected properties of PA6 molded parts was presented in this work. Blowing agent was dosed to plastic in amounts 0.5 – 1%, and glass fiber was added in amounts 15 – 30%. Furthermore, molded parts from unfilled and unfoamed PA6 was also investigated. The experimental plan was prepared using Design of Experiments (DoE) method. The results of selected part properties: molded parts weight, thickness, hardness, impact strength, tensile strength, elongation at maximum force, and also surface state of molded parts (gloss and color) was presented. The article also presents microscopic investigations (using SEM method) of molded parts with blowing agent and glass fiber. It was found, that the glass fiber content has a larger impact on mechanical properties of parts than addition of blowing agent. The use of the blowing agent in an amount of 1% wt. will allow the reduce injection cycle time by reducing the hold pressure and hold time, without significant worsening their properties. The mold temperature has an impact especially on the gloss of molded parts and the pore size.