Zirconium phosphate changing hygroscopicity of polyamide-6 in nanocomposites PA-6/ZrP.

Hygroscopicity can be understood as ability of any material to absorb water. This investigation aims to study the effect of lamellar zirconium phosphate (ZrP) in the hygroscopicity of poliamide-6 (PA-6). In situ (PA-6/ZrP) nanocomposites were prepared during the polymerization of caprolactam. Structural, thermal, crystallographic and rheological characteristics were assessed by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), rheological and water absorption measurements. FTIR evidenced strong interaction between polymer/nanofiller. According to the kind of nanofiller, changes in PA-6 thermal stability and crystallinity degree were noticed. Formation of PA-6 α-crystal, microcomposite and possibly exfoliated nanocomposite was predicted by WAXD. Rheological measurements evidenced great interaction between PA-6 and nanofillers. PA-6 hygroscopicity was strongly influenced by ZrP-attained value almost 40% lesser as compared to neat PA-6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]