Enhancing the flame retardancy and UV resistance of polyamide 6 by introducing ternary supramolecular aggregates

An integrated multi-functional additive was fabricated by successively grafting melamine (MEL) and phytic acid (PhA) on multiwalled carbon-nanotubes (MWNCTs), and was then applied in PA6 to improve the flame retardancy and light aging resistance of the composite. The limit oxygen index of PA6 composite containing 7 wt% PhA-MEL-MWCNTs was increased to 26.4 from 21.0. The smoke and CO release were significantly reduced by 48% and 88% respectively, and the severe melt dripping of PA6 in burning was eliminated. It is proved that PhA-MEL-MWCNTs can absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and hence significantly reduces the mechanical property loss of the PA6 composite after UV aging. The tensile strength of the aged PA6/7 wt%PhA-MEL-MWCNTs composite sample only decreased by 18.1%, which was significantly lower than the loss rate of the control aged PA6 sample (62.5%). This protocol provides a new opportunity for fabricating long-life flame retardant polyamide composites.