Investigation of the mechanical properties of GNP/MWCNT reinforced PA66 hybrid nanocomposites

The multifunctional characteristics of nanocomposites have introduced novel possibilities for different industrial sectors. However, the stable and optimized production of polymeric nanocomposite components is challenging. This research investigates the mechanical behavior of thermoplastic based nanocomposites reinforced with two prominent nanofillers namely Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) and Graphene NanoPlatelets (GNP) manufactured through industrially viable methods. Three main groups of Polyamide (PA 66) based nano- and hybrid composite specimens namely PA 66/MWCNT, PA 66/GNP, and PA 66/MWCNT/GNP are prepared. Different contents and mixture ratios of the nanofillers are incorporated in the polymeric matrix through the dilution process using a twin-screw extruder. The influence of the manufacturing parameters and content of the nanofillers on the mechanicalproperties of the nanocomposite specimens are investigated. Results show that the inclusion of either of the nanomaterials improves the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the nanocomposites significantly. Moreover, the combination of the two nanofillers in the nanocomposites is resulting into completely novel material properties which do not follow the linear combinations of the observed behaviors. In fact, the interaction between the two different nanofillers influences both dispersion state and mechanical properties. The mechanisms of modulation in the properties and dispersion states are also discussed using scanning electron microscopy and rheological investigations. The research provides an insight to manufacture tailored hybrid nanocomposites with the optimized mechanical properties.