Characterization of Melt-Spun Recycled PA 6 Polymer by Adding ZnO Nanoparticles during the Extrusion Process

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable textile production drives interest in recycling raw materials.
• Melt spinning of recycled polymers offers an efficient method for fiber production.
• Incorporating active particles during melt spinning simplifies composite fiber fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the melt spinning of recycled polyamide 6 (PA 6) fibers modified with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs).
• To optimize the extrusion process for PA 6 with varying ZnO NP concentrations (0.1–2.0 wt%).
• To analyze the distribution, chemical composition, and thermal properties of the modified fibers.

Main Methods:

• Melt spinning of recycled PA 6 with ZnO NPs under laboratory conditions.
• Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).
• Thermal analysis via Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).

Main Results:

• Increased glass transition temperature (50.97 °C to 57.98 °C) and crystallization point (148.19 °C to ~178 °C) observed with ZnO NP addition.
• FTIR confirmed PA 6 presence and ZnO NP integration; EDS verified Zn presence and distribution.
• Mechanical stability was maintained; strength (2.56–3.22 cN/tex) and modulus (28.83–49.90 cN/tex) were noted, acknowledging the absence of a drawing process.

Conclusions:

• Melt spinning of recycled PA 6 with ZnO NPs is feasible, yielding fibers with enhanced thermal properties.
• ZnO NPs are effectively distributed within the PA 6 matrix.
• This modification shows potential for advancing sustainable fiber production in the textile industry.