Nanoparticles Prepared by Sol-Gel Method Used in Pseudoboehmite-Reinforced Nylon 6.12 Nanocomposites

Polymers nanocomposites are composed by nanometrical particles embedded in a specific matrix. Additions of small amount of nanoparticles of inorganic material in specific matrixes can greatly improve mechanical properties. The high specific surface area of the inorganic materials nanoparticles promotes its dispersion in the polymeric matrix, and the obtained properties are strongly related to the homogeneity of the dispersion. In the present work, nylon 6.12 nanocomposites with different concentrations of pseudoboehmite obtained by sol-gel process were prepared with different concentrations of octadecylamine. The pseudoboehmite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis and thermo gravimetric analysis. The nanocomposites were characterized by thermal and mechanical tests. The addition of pseudoboehmite reduces the melting flow, evidencing the interaction of pseudoboehmite with the polymeric matrix probably modifying its crystalline structure.