Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Nylon-6 Composites

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/nylon-6 (PA6) nanocomposites with different MWNTs loadings have been prepared by the simple melt-compounding approach. A fine and homogeneous dispersion of MWNTs throughout PA6 matrix is observed by transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy observation on the fracture surfaces of the composites shows not only a uniform dispersion of MWNTs but also a strong interfacial adhesion with the matrix, as evidenced by the presence of many broken but strongly embedded carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the matrix and by the absence of debonding of CNTs from the matrix. Beadlike morphology is also observed along the stretched CNTs and their bundles, probably indicating…