Flame retardant intumescent polyamide 11/copolyamide nanocomposites

S. C. Lao, J. H. Koo, T. J. Moon, C. Lam, W. Yong, J. Zhou, B. Hadisujoto, G. E. Wissler, L. A. Pilato, Z. P. Luo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Polyamide (PA) 11 and 12 are currently the most widely used polymeric materials in the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) rapid manufacturing (RM) process. However, these polymers lack of flame retardancy and high strength/high heat resistance characteristics for a plethora of fabricated parts that are desired and required for performance driven applications. It had been reported that enhanced thermal, flammability, and mechanical properties (except elongation at rupture) of these polymers were obtained by nanomodifying them with nanoparticles such as MMT clay and carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Furthermore, truly flame retardant (FR) polyamide can be fabricated when intumescent FR additives are incorporated in addition to the nanoparticles. However, the mechanical properties of such PA11 FR nanocomposites suffer due to the addition of micron-sized intumescent FR additives, especially on the tensile elongation at rupture. Therefore, the objective of this study is to toughen these FR nanocomposites by introducing a third element, Arkema's Platamid® copolyamide. In the present study, a nanophase was introduced into the polyamide 11 and combining it with a conventional intumescent FR additive and a coployamide via twin screw extrusion. Arkema RILSAN® polyamide 11 molding polymer pellets were examined with chemically modified montmorillonite (MMT) organoclays; Clairant's Exolit® OP1312 intumescent FR additives; and Arkema's Platamid® copolyamide were used to create a family of FR intumescent polyamide 11/copolyamide nanocomposites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to determine the degree of nanoparticles dispersion. Injection molded specimens are fabricated for physical and flammability measurements. Flammability properties are obtained using the UL 94 test method. Mechanical properties are investigated by performing tensile and impact tests. TEM micrographs, physical, and flammability properties are presented. FR intumescent PA11/copolyamide nanocomposites properties are compared with PA11 baseline polymer. Based on flammability and mechanical material performance, selective polymer blends including PA11/copolyamide nanocomposites and control PA11 will be cryogenically ground into fine powders for SLS RM processing. SLS specimens will be fabricated for physical, thermal, flammability, and mechanical properties characterization.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSAMPE '09 Spring Symposium Conference Proceedings
Subtitle of host publicationChanging Times. New Opportunities. Are You Prepared?
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes
EventSAMPE '09 Spring Symposium Conference Proceedings - Baltimore, MD, United States
Duration: May 18 2009May 21 2009

Publication series

NameInternational SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition (Proceedings)
Volume54
ISSN (Print)0891-0138

Conference

ConferenceSAMPE '09 Spring Symposium Conference Proceedings
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore, MD
Period5/18/095/21/09

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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