Flame retarded polyamide-6 composites via in situ polymerization of caprolactam with perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic dianhydride

Abstract

Flame retardant polyamide 6 (PA6) composites (PA6/PTCDA) were prepared by in situ polymerization of caprolactam with adding 0.01–2.5 wt% perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracar-boxylic dianhydride (PTCDA). The structure and properties of PA6/PTCDA composites were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, thermal conductivity, and limiting oxygen index (LOI) measurements. The results indicated that the crystallization of the PA6 chains was suppressed with 2.5 wt% PTCDA, and the LOI of the composite was 29.5. At the same time, the addition of PTCDA made the composites form a coke layer in the process of combustion, protecting the flammable components from volatilization and enhanced the flame retardant performance of the composites. This indicated that the PA6/PTCDA composite prepared by in situ polymerization possessed good flame retardant properties.