Studies in the properties of nylon 6–glass fiber composites

Caprolactam has been anionically polymerized within the planar-random continuous glass mat reinforcement using a technique similar to reaction injection molding and up to 55% (w/w) [i.e., 33% (v/v)] glass fiber loading was achieved. The fiber volume fraction distribution across the diameter of the composite was observed to be reasonably uniform. The tensile stress–strain properties were determined. Composite modulus and strength appeared to be linearly dependent on the fiber volume fraction and increase with fiber volume content. The type of composite material studied has been used for compression molding of articles. Therefore, some tensile data were redetermined after compression molding and possible changes in degree of crystallinity resulting from the change in the thermal history monitored by differential scanning calorimetry. A 50% drop in the percent degree of crystallinity (monoclinic modification) of the as-polymerized composite and a deterioration in the tensile properties of the composite were observed after compression molding. On compression molding the mold surface needs to be completely covered with the composite sheet material; otherwise, matrix polymer flows out of the composite, and areas deficient in reinforcement result.