Crystallization controlled by layered silicates in nylon 6–clay nano-composite

To understand the effect of the montmorillonite (MMT) particles on the crystallization kinetics and crystalline morphology of nylon 6 upon nano-composite formation, we have characterized the crystallization behaviors by using light scattering, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and rheological measurement. The correlation between the nucleating effect and the growth mechanism of the different polymorphism (γ-phase) of nylon 6 in the nano-composite (N6C3.7) was probed. N6C3.7 exhibited γ-phase crystal due to the nucleating effect of the dispersed MMT particles into the nylon 6 matrix throughout the whole T_c range (=150–215 °C). The lamellar growth of the γ-phase crystal took place on both sides of the dispersed MMT particles. In comparison between the temperature dependence of the characteristic relaxation time and the crystallization time, the lamellar growth of the γ-phase crystal has been discussed. The stable growth of the γ-phase was strongly disturbed at low T_c range (=160–190 °C) due to the lack of time for crystallization.