Analysis of PA 6 nanocomposites — indentation and creep behavior as a function of temperature and load level using different indentation techniques

Abstract

The short-term performance (Martens hardness and indentation modulus) and the time-dependent creep behavior of polyamide 6 (PA 6) and two PA 6 nanocomposites containing 3.5 wt % montmorillonite (MMT) or 5 wt % halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were analyzed by different depth-sensing indentation techniques in the nano-, micro- and macro-range of loading as a function of applied load (0.08— 100 N) and temperature (-80—60 °C). Additionally, WAXD and DSC measurements were made to establish the morphology-property relationships of the investigated materials while taking into account the skin-core structure of the injection-moulded samples.