Preparation and characterization of PA6/titania conductive fibres

Abstract

The surface activity of TiO₂ has been modified by using sodium hexametaphosphate to improve its dispersibility in matrix. The modified TiO₂ nanoparticles have been mixed with polyamide 6(PA6) into granulation, and then white conductive fibres are prepared using different weight ratios by melt spinning. The as-spun fibres are characterized by using high insulation resistance meter, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter.
The results show that the treated conductive TiO₂ material is well dispersed in the PA6 matrix with good compatibility and that the electrical conductivity of as-spun fibres is excellent. Considering the mechanism of its electrical conductivity,it is concluded that the conductive mechanism is tunnel when the TiO₂ content is less than 5%, the mechanism is composition of both tunnel and ohmic when TiO₂ content is between 10% and 15%, and it is ohmic conductive mechanism if the TiO₂ content is more than 15%.