Numerical and experimental investigation of FSP of PA 6/MWCNT composite

In the current study, a numerical model based on Lagrangian incremental formulation was developed for friction stir process of polyamide 6 and polyamide 6/multi-walled carbon nano-tube composite to investigate the thermo-mechanical behavior of them (e.g. temperature, effective plastic strain distribution, material flow, and material velocity). For this purpose, friction stir process was used to disperse the multi-walled carbon nano-tubes among the polymer matrix of PA 6, homogenously. The X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and micro-indentation hardness were used to investigate the properties of fabricated nano-composite. The obtained results were then used to verify the objectives of numerical model. According to the results, the MWCNTs are separated from each other while passing the tool-pin due to high plastic strain applied on them and greater amount of the material accumulates in the AS of stirred zone after passing the tool-pin. Also, MWCNTs were homogeneously and straightly dispersed throughout the PA 6. The straight and non-curved dispersion of MWCNTs results in growth of its reinforcement capability.