Copolyamide/sepiolite nanocomposites with enhanced stiffness and toughness

Copolyamide nanocomposites, based on sepiolite needle-like clay, were prepared through melt extrusion at different silicate loadings. The hybrid materials were characterized in terms of both thermal and rheological properties. A fine dispersion of the nanoparticles was evidenced by the dynamic rheological behavior of the composites. Moreover, the presence of sepiolite does not cause changes in the overall crystallinity degree and crystal structure compared to the neat polymer. The effect of an increasing percentage of nanofiller on the mechanical performances of the nanocomposites was also evaluated. A remarkable combination of high stiffness and toughness, not already found in literature for this kind of nanocomposites, was achieved at the lower silicate amount.