Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Title

Embrittlement Mechanisms of nylon66/Organoclay Nanocomposites Prepared by Melt-Compounding Process

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-7-2007

Abstract

Nylon 66 nanocomposites with different smectite clay loadings were prepared by conventional melt compounding process. The fracture toughness decreases with increasing clay content, which is a direct result of reduced plastic zone size at the crack tip region. The fracture mechanisms were studied using double-notched four-point-bending (DN-4PB) technique. A constraining effect from nanoclay fillers on plastic deformation of matrix is revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Micron-sized and submicron voids could be observed around the clay platelets. The voids coalesce and form premature cracks that promote crack propagation, thus reducing toughness.

Publication Title

Materials and Manufacturing Processes

Volume

21

Issue

2

First Page

153

Last Page

158

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