Preparation of flexible and magnetic PA6/SEBS‐MA nanocomposites reinforced with Ni‐Zn ferrite

Abstract Magnetic and flexible nanocomposites of polyamide 6 (PA6)/styrene‐(ethylene‐butylene)‐styrene grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐MA) were prepared using Ni‐Zn ferrite synthesized by combustion reaction. Thermal treatment was applied to the Ni‐Zn ferrite to form a more crystalline phase. The nanocomposites were processed in an internal mixer and later injection molded. The materials were characterized by torque rheometry, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Izod impact strength, tensile strength, magnetic measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), heat deflection temperature (HDT), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ferrite calcination led to a higher degree of crystallinity and nanocomposites with a higher number of crystalline peaks. This favored a higher saturation magnetization. The magnetic hysteresis curves of the nanocomposites indicated a ferrimagnetic behavior. The impact strength and elongation at break increased significantly compared to neat PA6, suggesting the formation of flexible and magnetic nanocomposites. This behavior was ascribed to a chemical reaction between the terminal amine groups of PA6 and the maleic anhydride of SEBS‐MA, confirmed by FTIR and torque rheometry. Neat PA6 and the nanocomposites showed similar thermogravimetric, HDT, melting temperature, and crystallization properties. SEM results showed that the dispersed ferrite tends to form agglomerates, especially if calcined. In general, the addition of the non‐calcined Ni‐Zn ferrite to the PA6 matrix improved the mechanical properties. Conversely, the calcination of ferrite tended to improve the magnetic behavior of the nanocomposites.