pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S08 - Polymer blends
Poster Presentation
 
 

A nylon 6/PBT matrix for bio-based composites for automotive industry

Jubinville Dylan (1), Misra Manju (1), MOHANTY Amar K. (1)*

(1) University of Guelph - Ontario - Canada

The use of nylon in manufacturing is largely due to its high heat deflection temperature with good continuous-use temperatures, moderate chemical resistance, high strength even at elevated temperatures, and high stiffness. Poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT) is a crystalline polymer with high molecular weight and good balanced properties. In some areas, PBT is replacing other engineering plastics due to its good chemical resistance, low water absorption, good processibility and its strength. The nylon 6/PBT blend was prepared with the formulation of 50:50 wt% through melt extrusion and injection molding with various mold temperatures in order to optimize the blending process. Through studying the mechanical properties a comparison in mold temperatures was explored and revealed slight changes in the Young’s modulus. A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was utilized to study both the purity/miscibility, melting and crystallization behaviour of the blend as well as a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) to observe the heat deflection temperature (HDT). A thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) was also used to understand the blends degradation temperatures and purity/miscibility. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the impact fracture surface of the nylon/PBT was studied to look at the morphological structure. The blending of nylon 6 with PBT resulted in balanced properties where the formulation is targeted ultimately be used for the fabrication of lightweight bio-composite materials for automotive parts uses.