Electrical, mechanical and optical properties of polyamide-6 composites with carbon nanotubes under irradiation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26565/2312-4334-2026-3-57Keywords:
Polyamide-6, Nanocomposites, Electrical conductivity, Degree of crystallinity, Dynamic moduli, Raman spectra, Fluorescence, Electron irradiationAbstract
The dependence of the degree of crystallinity, the dynamic mechanical modulus, and the shear at frequency of ~1 MHz on the content of nanotubes was investigated for unirradiated PA-6/MWCNT nanocomposites. An increase in the degree of crystallinity and a decrease in these moduli with increasing CNT content were found, which is explained by the fact that CNTs in the polymer matrix act as nucleation centers of the crystalline α-phase, as well as nanoparticles disrupting interatomic bonds in chains and between macromolecules. These nanocomposites were irradiated with electrons Ee ≈ 1.8 MeV and an absorption dose of 10 MRad (100 kGy), 20 MRad (200 kGy). The dependence of electrical conductivity, dynamic mechanical moduli, Raman scattering, and fast photoluminescence emission on the CNT content was measured. Irradiation has been shown to have complex effects on the properties mentioned above. Electrons can contribute to both the destruction of chains and the establishment of the crystalline phase, as well as the healing of damage caused by nanotubes through the recombination of electrons with free radicals. Radiation functionalization often leads to changes in the Raman spectra and the energy structure of electrons within the band gap. These changes are associated with the presence of local states related to the amorphous phase and structural defects. The restructuring of the FL spectra can also be affected, which may impact the formation of the conducting cluster.
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