Platinum Nanoparticles Intercalated Montmorillonite to Enhance the Char Formation of Nylon 6 Nanocomposites

Organically modified montmorillonite (OMT) were used to disperse catalytically active Pt nanoparticles that influence the char formation processes of polyamide 6 (PA6). The Pt nanoparticles of varying particle size are generated in to organically modified montmorillonite (Pt–OMTs) which are subsequently melt blended with PA6. The average particle size of Pt nanoparticles is ranges from 9.2 to 21.6 nm as examined by X–ray diffraction and Field emission scanning electron microscopy. The char formation mechanism is studied by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–IR). Infrared spectroscopy on the residue reveals the formation of unsaturated hydrocarbons during decomposition of PA6 nanocomposite which are crosslinked into highly conjugated structure.