Natural hydrolytic ageing of PA6 and bio-reinforced composites

Abstract

Hydrolytic ageing or hydrolysis is the destruction of chemical bonds by the action of water. Among the polymers most affected by hydrolysis are the polyamides, since PA6 is hygroscopic, due to the amide groups. PA6 with its interesting technical applications could be found in humid environments, which probably impedes its durability. The estimation of the modifications that PA6 could undergo has attracted the attention of several research subjects, which have recorded a deterioration of the mechanical and thermal properties. The objective of this study is to compare the hydrolytic ageing of PA6 with its composites reinforced with peanut shell powder (PSP), olive pomace powder (OPP), and plaster (PL). The aim is to evaluate the impact of the reinforcements on the ageing of the composite. The weight changes, the structural properties, and the morphology were monitored and related to the modification of the polymer encountered during the ageing process thanks to the weight gain, DRX and SEM methods.