Effect of nylon66 addition on the mechanical properties and fracture morphology of poly(phenylene sulfide)/glass fiber composites

Abstract In this study, the toughening effect of nylon66 on the PPS/glass fiber composite at various nylon66 contents and testing temperatures was analyzed using tensile and notched Izod impact test. Also, the corresponding fracture surface morphology was observed and analyzed. Mechanical properties such as strain at break and impact strength decreased at all testing temperatures when nylon66 was a dispersed phase. However, when PPS was a dispersed phase, improved interfacial bonding between matrix and fiber resulted in a mechanical property increase. Thus, when nylon66 was a dispersed phase (minor component), negative deviation from the rule of mixture relationship was found. In order to improve these deficiencies, compatibilizer EGMA was used. Optimum EGMA content which can improve the strain at break and impact strength was found to be between 3∼5%.