Composites of novel biodegradable copolyamides based on adipic acid, 1,6-hexane diamine, and L-glycine with short E-glass fibers. II. Preparation and properties

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 1995-05, Vol.56 (9), p.1045-1058
• Main Authors: Arvanitoyannis, Ioannis, Psomiadou, Eleni, Yamamoto, Noboru, Blanshard, John M. V.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.1995.070560904

A study was conducted on the preparation of composite materials based on novel biodegradable copolyamides reinforced with E glass fibers by using the hand lay‐up technique. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and wide angle x‐ray diffraction patterns were employed for investigating the effect of transcrystallinity on percentage crystallinity of composites. The thermal properties of composites (Tg and Tm) were determined with DTA and dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA) measurements. Void fractions were evaluated from density measurements and correlated to glass fiber contents. The stress–strain curves and compression strength measurements were recorded and correlated with the glass fiber content, void content, and the percentage amino acid content of the copolymers. Although high α‐amino acid contents caused a decrease in Tg and Tm and the tensile strength of copolyamides, the introduction of glass fibers was found to counterbalance this effect by initiating an increase in the percentage crystallinity. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.