Combined Effects of Montmorillonite Clay, Carbon Nanofiber, and Fire Retardant on Mechanical and Flammability Properties of Polyamide 11 Nanocomposites

This paper is focused on the development of polyamide 11 (PA11) nanocomposites with enhanced fire retardant (FR) properties for application in selective laser sintering (SLS). Test specimens of PA11 containing various percentages of intumescent FR additive, montmorillonite (MMT) clay, and carbon nanofiber (CNF) were prepared via the twin screw extrusion technique. The combined effects of MMT clay, CNF, FR additives on the mechanical and flammability properties of these PA11 nanocomposites are studied. Izod impact testing, tensile testing, and SEM analysis of are used to characterize mechanical properties. UL-94 and SEM analysis of char surfaces are used to characterize the flammability properties of these materials. Results are analyzed to determine any synergistic effects among the additives to the material properties of PA11.