Effect of nanotube content on mechanical properties of basalt fibre reinforced polyamide 6

In this study, 30 mass-% basalt fibre and 0·5–2 mass-% multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced polyamide 6 hybrid systems were prepared by extrusion and injection moulding. The effect of nanotube content on the mechanical properties was investigated by tensile and flexural tests. The results showed that the combination of macroscopic and nanosized reinforcements improved the mechanical properties significantly, and synergetic effects can also be observed. Good dispersion of the MWCNT was proven by transmission and scanning electron microscopy.