Effect of pristine and amine-functionalized MWCNTs on the mechanical properties of Nylon 6 nanocomposites containing reprocessed material

Application of Reprocessed (RP) material has attracted attention of researchers and it leads to sustainable developments and circular economy. This research work aims to study the effect of varying loading content of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and Amine functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotube (Amine MWCNT) on key mechanical properties of nanocomposites containing reprocessed Nylon 6 like tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus, hardness, impact strength. Reprocessed or recycled material used in 15% and 20% with loading of nanofillers in 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% in virgin Nylon 6. Compounding for various batches was done through melt mixing in twin screw extruder and test samples were prepared on injection moulding machines as per ASTM standard. The results indicate that Amine MWCNT at 1.5% and 2% loading is having better results than that of MWCNT reinforced Nylon 6 nanocomposite. Tensile strength enhanced by 9.94 % and modulus by 8.55% with 2% of Amine MWCNT compared to corresponding unfilled blend (15% RP and 20% RP material) which is taken as the base line. Flexural strength was the highest recorded with an increment of 30.41% with 2% of Amine MWCNT. Impact strength dipped marginally in both the cases (MWCNT and Amine MWCNT) whereas hardness increased slightly. ANOVA analysis was done to confirm the statistical significance of the differences between pristine MWCNT and amine-functionalized MWCNT loadings across both the 15% and 20% reprocessed Nylon 6 series. Scanning Electron Microscopy reveals the dispersion of nano fillers in Nylon 6 matrix whereas FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of amide linkages of polyamide material. These findings highlight the positive and promising impact of MWCNT and Amine MWCNT on Nylon 6 composite which contains reprocessed Nylon 6 material which offers a viable pathway to support material circularity and enables the partial replacement of virgin polymers without sacrificing critical mechanical properties.