Influence of graphite additives on mechanical, tribological, fire resistance and electrical properties in polyamide 6

Abstract

New types of polymers are usually produced with different additives. In this work, the effect of graphite addition (1.5wt%, 2wt%, 2.5wt%, 3wt% and 3.5wt%) on material’s properties is analysed. Results of current investigation show that there are two possible subtypes (groups) of polyamide, containing 2% and 3.5% graphite, which reveal improved complex properties. By using graphite additives, the material becomes stiffer. In polyamide-2% graphite system, the abrasive wear tends to decrease while the fire resistance improves without significant changes in mechanical properties. In addition to improved tribological and fire resistance behaviour, polyamide with 3.5% graphite addition gains excellent antistatic properties. At the same time, in this material both the tensile and the Charpy impact strengths have decreased by 15% and 30%, respectively, whereas the Young's modulus increases by 6% as a result of dispergation/adhesion between the graphite and polymer.