Comparison of the Morphological, Mechanical, and UV Protection Properties of TiO2/Polyamide 6 (PA6), and ZnO/PA6 Nanocomposite Multifilament Yarns

摘要

The properties of TiO2/polyamide 6 (PA6) and ZnO/PA6 nanocomposite filament yarns produced on a pilot-plant melt spinning machine were compared. Concentrated masterbatches were prepared using a twin screw extruder. Then continuous multifilament yarns were produced by blending nylon 6 chips and various amounts of the prepared masterbatches. Melt spinning was carried out at the spinning temperature of 265 degrees C and take-up speed of 4000 m/min. As-spun multifilament yarns were then drawn and textured. Morphological properties of the produced yarns were studied. Thermal behavior and physical properties, including shrinkage and tensile properties, were measured. Weft-knitted fabrics were evaluated for their ultraviolet protection properties. Although both kinds of the nanoparticles had a positive effect on the ultraviolet protection properties of their nanocomposite fabrics as compared to pure PA6 fabric, the efficiency of the TiO2 nanoparticles was more than that of the ZnO ones for the same concentrations. The differences between the different properties of the two kinds of nanocomposites are discussed based on their interaction with the polymeric matrix, specific surface area, steric hindrance effect, and band gap energies.