Effect of the Activator Type and Catalyst/Activator Ratio on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Cast PA-6

The aim of the study is to produce suitable unfilled cast polyamide-6 composition exhibiting optimum mechanical, physical, thermal and electrical properties with anionic polymerization mechanism. Sodium lactamate was used as catalyst at all compositions. Activators used were varied as toluenediisocyanate (TDI), isophronediisocyanate (IPDI), hexamethylenediisocyanate (HMDI) and diphenylmethylenediamine (DPMD). Also, activator and catalyst content were varied between 0.4–0.8% and 1–4% respectively. The best mechanical properties were attained with using TDI as activator at 0.488%. Then, other properties of this composition were determined. Comparison of these properties with other plastics showed that it had the highest abrasion resistance, lower water absorption, higher tensile and flexural strength.