Experimental evidence for reduced chain segment mobility in poly(amide)-6/clay nanocomposites

Poly(amide)-6/clay nanocomposites are investigated by means of modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry. The importance of polymer–filler interaction is explored by comparing nanocomposites based on untreated and organically modified clay. During quasi-isothermal crystallization experiments, an excess contribution is observed in the recorded heat capacity signal due to reversible melting and crystallization. The magnitude of this excess contribution depends on the nanocomposite investigated. We suggest that it is directly related to the segmental mobility of the polymer chains in the interphase region. As such, the magnitude of this excess contribution can be used to quantify the efficiency of the polymer–clay interaction. Depending on the clay type used, differences in interfacial interaction can be achieved, which is of great importance with respect to the improvement of material properties. Based on thermal analysis results, a simple interphase model is proposed that is able to account for both the thermal and mechanical properties of poly(amide)-6/clay nanocomposites.