The preparation of the polyamide 6/fluorescein composite by in situ polymerization method and its properties

Abstract

Fluorescein with carboxyl groups (-COOH) reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) composite was prepared readily by in situ polymerization method, where carboxyl groups of fluorescein could react with the amino groups of PA6 prepolymer, thereby forming chemically bonded PA6/fluorescein composite (denoted as PA6-F). As-fabricated PA6-F was evaluated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fluorescence spectrometry, etc. The results indicated that PA6-F showed fluorescence behaviors under 254 nm ultraviolet light illumination. Moreover, the addition content (mass fraction) of fluorescence had significant effect on the crystalline form of PA6, and γ crystalline was predominant while fluorescein was introduced to PA6 matrix, as well as crystallization and melting performances. Furthermore, the friction and wear resistance properties, mechanical strength of PA6-F were also tested. Findings showed that fluorescein as filler favored to generate PA6-F with improved mechanical properties and tribological properties.