Synthesis and properties of oil-filled polycaproamide

Abstract

The effect of antifriction additives on the process of ε-caprolactam anionic polymerization and on the properties of the synthesized samples has been studied. Motor oil, vacuum oil, household lubricating oil and polymethyl-siloxane fluid were used as antifriction additives. It has been shown that the introduction of antifriction additives at the stage of synthesis of oil-filled polycaproamide reduces the rate of anionic polymerization of ε-caprolactam. The influence of oils on the complex of physico-mechanical, thermal and operational properties has also been studied. It was found that the use of oils at the synthesis stage helps to reduce the coefficient of friction of the samples compared with the control sample. The best effect is observed when using 5 7 wt.% of petroleum oils (a decrease of 50 66% compared to the control sample). The water absorption of oil-filled polycaproamide samples containing petroleum oils is also reduced (by 37% compared to the control sample). At the same time, there is a deterioration in the physical and mechanical properties and an increase in oil and petrol absorption.