Studies on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Silica Fume-Filled Nylon 66 Polymer Composites for Mechanical Components

Enhancement of mechanical and wear-resistant properties of polymer composites is important because they are widely used in tribological environments. The properties can be enhanced by reinforcement with particulates in the polymer matrix. Nylon is used in many engineering applications, and silica fume is used as a filler material in civil-oriented applications. In this paper, the properties of Nylon 66 reinforced with silica fume particulates are investigated. The reinforcement by silica fume at 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% weight fraction is considered. Nylon 66 and silica fume were compounded in a twin screw extruder and the test samples were produced in 60 ton L&T injection moulding machine. Heat distortion temperature (HDT), tensile, flexural, compression and impact strength tests were carried out in accordance with ASTM standards. The test results confirmed the improved mechanical and HDT properties of the Nylon 66-silica fume composites. Observations made using scanning electron microscopy revealed good physical adhesion and uniform dispersion of silica fumes in the Nylon 66.