Tomasz M. Majka

Many methods are used to obtain functional polymer foams. This review focuses on reactive extrusion of poly(ethylene terephthalate). This process is based on the reaction between PET and the appropriate blowing agent. The next step is the creation of foam by closing gas cells in the polymer matrix. This method of modification allows material with higher molecular weight to be obtained and, therefore, higher melt strength. The use of different chemical modifiers and their concentration influences properties of created foam. The enhanced features of foamed PET allow it to be used in many areas of application such as transport, construction or general industry. Another big advantage of this technique is the possibility of using recycled materials as the source of PET.

Each varying parameter which can contribute to the quality of final products plays an important role in the processing of polymer nanomaterials. Rheological properties are useful in proper formulation of new polyamide-6 (PA-6) based materials and selecting processing parameters. However, the measured rheological properties depend strongly on the sample preparation method, humidity regulation, and time-temperature history during the measurement and not least on the kind of rheometer being used. The results of the preliminary investigation show the changes in visco-elastic properties of two types of PA-6 and their nanocomposites with montmorilonite.

The purpose of this study was to obtain polyamide 6 nanocomposites with different organically modified clays and to study the biotic degradation behaviour vs mechanical properties of the obtained materials. Thermal stability of pure organoclays was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The prepared nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The evolution of mechanical properties was also studied. The obtained results confirm good interactions of nanofillers with the polymer, showing the formation of intercalated and/or partially exfoliated structures. The nanocomposites showed higher thermal stability compared to pure polymer, and advantageous mechanical properties. Finally, a discussion related to the effects of biotic degradation on mechanical properties of PA6/MMT nanocomposites is presented.

Each varying parameter which can contribute to the quality of received applications plays an important role in the processing of polymer materials. The influence of mold temperature on the molded parts’ properties and density was investigated during the optimization of injection molding process parameters of polyamide-6 (PA-6) as well as polyamide-6/montmorillonite (PA-6/MMT) composites. The hardness and Izod notched impact strength were determined for the obtained PA-6-based materials.