Comparison of mechanical and tribological properties of glass-fiber-reinforced polyketone and polyketone/polyamide 6 blend composites

In this study, the impact of two compatibilizers, ethylene terpolymer (C1) and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (C2), on the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of 30% glass-fiber-reinforced polyketone (PK) and polyketone/polyamide 6 (PK/PA-6) blend composites was investigated. In the case of 30% glass-fiber-reinforced PK composites, the mechanical test results showed that C2 significantly improves the impact resistance (over 48.8%) and elongation at break (over 13.3%) values due to the enhanced compatibility between glass fibers and the PK matrix, attributed to the maleic anhydride functionality. The tensile and flexural properties of the 30% glass-fiber-reinforced PK/PA-6 blend composites were determined to be between the values of pure PK/GF30 and PA-6/GF30 composites, which were its constituent components. Notably, these blend composites displayed higher impact resistance (19.6 kJ/m²) and elongation at break (4.86%) values than the pure PK/GF30 and PA-6/GF30 composites. The SEM images suggested that C2 creates a better interface between glass fibers and the matrix, resulting in a more cohesive structure. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis revealed two distinct glass transition temperatures, indicating the existence of two phases, and reflecting the immiscibility of the two polymers. Tribological studies showed that the friction coefficients and specific wear rates of PK/PA-6/GF30 composites were improved by increasing PK segment. The PK-25/PA6-50/GF30-C2 sample exhibited a friction coefficient of 0.341 μ and a specific wear rate of 1.15 10^¯6 mm³/Nm. Overall, the C2 proved to be a more suitable compatibilizer than C1, offering valuable insights for tailoring high-performance materials with enhanced properties.

Graphical Abstract

The influence of two compatibilizers, ethylene terpolymer (C1) and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (C2), on the mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of 30% glass-fiber-reinforced polyketone and polyketone/polyamide 6 blend composites was investigated. Based on, mechanical, microscopic, thermal, and tribological results, the C2 was found to be a more suitable compatibilizer than C1 for improving the interface between glass fibers and the matrix