Synthesis and characterization of MC nylon/modified yttrium hydroxide nanocomposites

In this article, monomer casting (MC) nylon is synthesized. MC nylon could replace nonferrous metals in certain applications, including gears, wheels, and other moving parts. However, compared with metals, MC nylon products have poor strength and stiffness, and crack easily, especially at low temperatures. In addition, the dimensional stability of MC nylon is poor, especially in the large casting nylon products, causing significant internal stresses due to shrinkage. Thus, MC nylon cracks easily when cast and molded. The yttrium hydroxide particles are modified by stearic acid and dispersed in the caprolactam. The polymerization time is short due to fast anionic polymerization. Copolymerization with different ratios of yttrium hydroxide particles can be used to prepare the copolymer. The effects of different amounts of yttrium hydroxide on the performance of the monomer casting nylon are studied. The products are characterized using X-ray diffraction, impact, and tensile testing. When the percentage of modified yttrium hydroxide is 0.3 wt %, the composite exhibits the maximum impact strength, thus the 0.3 wt % of modified yttrium hydroxide is the suitable percentage to enhance the impact strength of MC nylon. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43356.