Crystallisation behaviour of Polyamide-6 and Polyamide-66 nanocomposites

The crystallisation properties of injection moulded Polyamide-6 and Polyamide-66 nanocomposites based on organophilic layered silicates were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction to better understand the influence of the nanoplatelets on these two matrices. It was found, that the thin clay platelets effect the crystal structure of Polyamide-6 and the crystallisation rate of both types of polyamides. Differences in thermal properties are ascribed to changes of the crystal modification and crystallite size of the polymer matrix.