R. Panackal Shibu, J.L. Shamshina
Texas Tech University,
United States
Keywords: material
Summary:
Abstract: The enduring reliance on conventional polymers across diverse domains has raised critical concerns regarding their constrained efficiency, particularly in terms of durability, sustainability, and mechanical strength. In an effort to alleviate this concern, the advent of crosslinking polymers with nanofillers has emerged as an innovative way out to enhance the overall performance of common synthetic polymers. Under the current circumstances, directed towards realizing environmental, economic, and performance-related advantages, the automobile industry strongly advocates for incorporating at least 40% Nylon to replace the metal components. Hence, the base polymer requires reinforcement with specific fillers to improve its mechanical strength and render it appropriate for application in automotive components. Although inorganic fillers have been effectively crosslinked with an extensive array of polymers, their compatibility with organic polymers is yet to be deciphered. This brings to light the critical significance of chitin nanomaterials, as exceptionally demanding reinforcing fillers in the plastics industry. This is primarily attributed to the biodegradability, biocompatibility, lightweight, and high elastic modulus of chitin nanomaterials, which exhibit exceptional specific stiffness—surpassing that of metals, ceramics, or even Kevlar. Since Nylons (PA 6) are typified by amide groups it is expected to establish strong physical-type hydrogen bonding interactions with nanochitin. Our study emphasizes the fabrication of reinforced polyamide 6 nanocomposite films infused with chitin nanowhiskers (ChNWs), derived directly from pure chitin and shrimp shell biomass using ionic liquids . We aim to undertake an in-depth analysis of the structural (FTIR, pXRD), thermodynamic (TGA, DSC), morphological (SEM), tensile, and rheological (DMA) properties of PA 6/ChNWs blends, prepared by casting and solvent evaporation. Precisely, we place emphasis on assessing the interfacial adhesion between chitin nanowhiskers and the polymer chains, as well as the formation of percolated network, as influenced by variations in ChNWs content. Furthermore, we direct attention to how differences in reinforcement are affected by the morphological and structural properties of nanochitin from the given sources. Afterward, having concluded our study on the sustainable synthesis of ChNWs from various sources , we aim to investigate whether the origin of the chitin nanomaterials—derived from different biomass sources—impacts the reinforcement potential of PA 6 films. Overall, our research underscores the distinctive functional properties of PA 6-based nanocomposite films, highlighting their improved strength and their potential to lower the carbon footprint relative to conventional glass-reinforced plastics.