We developed a new type polymer nano-composite named Nylon 6-Clay Hybrid (NCH), in which clay mineral is dispersed in nylon 6 matrix at a molecular level. We observed the dispersed state of the clay in NCH by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and analyzed the molecular structure and crystal structure of nylon 6 by mass spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively.

NCH shows good mechanical properties and a high heat-distortion temperature in spite of the low content of the clay mineral. In addition, the NCH film has low gas permeability.

Comparing four types of NCH using montmorillonite and other three kinds of clay, the NCH using montmorillonite was superior in mechanical properties to any other hybrid material. This is because of the ionic interaction by which montmorillonite strongly interacts with nylon 6 as revealed in the ¹⁵N-NMR results. Synthesis method of NCH was modified: The diamine added in NCH controlled the laminated state of clay, and the one-pot synthesis shortened the synthesis process.

NCH has already been applied to automotive timing belt covers, for the first time as an engine part in the field of polymer nano-composite.

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