Polyamide single polymer composites prepared via in situ anionic polymerization of ε-caprolactam

In order to prepare the polyamide single polymer composites (SPCPA) comprised of polyamide 6 (PA6) fiber and PA6 matrix, a novel method based on the in situ anionic polymerization of ε-caprolactam was developed. The influence of a critical process parameter, molding temperature, on the structure of SPCPA was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mechanical properties of SPCPA prepared at 140, 160, 180, and 200 °C were appraised by three-point bending and tensile test. An optimum molding temperature (160 °C) at which both the tensile and flexural strength reached a peak value was found in the studied molding temperature range. High reaction degree (>93%), low void fraction (<2.5%) and strong and stable fiber/matrix interface contributed to the obvious reinforcing effect of PA6 fibers on PA6 matrix.