Structural correlations to sliding wear performance of PA-6/PP-g-MA/nanoclay ternary nanocomposites

Ternary nanocomposites were fabricated based on an optimized impact modified PA-6/PP-g-MA blend composition with varied concentrations (0–6 wt.% at a step of 2 wt.%) of organoclay, Cloisite 30B™. The structural attributes such as state of intercalation/exfoliation/crystalline organization (by TEM and XRD), mechanical attributes such as storage-modulus (E′)/loss-tangent (tan δ) (by DMA) and sliding wear performance on a pin-on-disc set up have been investigated for the nanocomposites. The wear performance as a function of sliding speed, normal load, sliding distance, and nanoclay loading have been analyzed following Taguchi method and parametric optimization has been carried out for wear resistance maximization. The wear resistance showed a correlation to the fraction of immobilized polymer chains due to incorporation of nanoclay into the PA-6 based blend matrix. Scanning electron microscopy of worn surface morphology has revealed a transition in the wear mechanism with the increase in nanoclay content.

► Wear performance enhancement of PA-6 based ternary nanocomposites is optimally attempted. ► Interrelation between wear, thermo-mechanical and structural-attributes is established. ► Wear resistance is related to the fraction of immobilized polymer chains due to nanoclay incorporation. ► Wear tends to be more matrix controlled at higher loads and interface-controlled at lower loads. ► Nanoclay induced segmental-mobility constraints impedes wear through viscoelastic relaxation.