Abstract
It is shown that both the tensile strength and ductility increase with an increase in strain rate for the nanocomposites, but the tensile strength increases and the ductility decreases with an increase in strain rate for nylon 6. The 2 wt% clay-reinforced nylon and 5 wt% clay-reinforced nylon have similar strengths, which are increased by about 30% compared to those of nylon 6. With an increase in loading rate, the ultimate tensile strength increases. The fatigue strength of 2 wt% clay-reinforced nylon is also increased by about 30% compared to that of nylon 6, but the fatigue strength of 5 wt% clay-reinforced nylon is slightly increased or similar to that of nylon 6. The cyclic deformation has been examined using stress-strain hysteresis loops. The small cyclic deformation in 5 wt% clay-reinforced nylon is attributed to the no increase in fatigue strength. Furthermore, time-dependent behavior and microscopic damage mechanisms are discussed.
