Comparison & Analysis of PA6 – GF30 & PA6 – CF30

PA6, also known as Nylon 6, is a kind of semi-transparent or opaque milky-white granular material. It possesses a series of remarkable properties. Firstly, it is a thermoplastic polymer, which means it can be melted and reshaped multiple times under the right temperature conditions. It is lightweight, making it convenient for various applications where weight is a concern. Moreover, it has excellent toughness, enabling it to withstand certain impacts and mechanical forces without easily breaking or deforming. Its resistance to chemicals is also quite good, allowing it to maintain its integrity when exposed to a wide range of chemical substances. Additionally, it shows good durability, ensuring a relatively long service life. The melting point of PA6 is 223℃.

GF stands for glass fiber. It has a density of 2.7g/cm³. Glass fiber is often used as a reinforcing material in many composites due to its ability to enhance the mechanical properties of the base materials. It can improve the strength and stiffness of the composites it is incorporated into.

CF refers to carbon fiber. With a density of 1.8 g/cm³, carbon fiber is renowned for its outstanding characteristics. It has extremely high strength and modulus, which means it can bear heavy loads and provide excellent structural support. It is widely applied in high-performance applications where both strength and light weight are crucial requirements.

I. In the field of materials science, the properties of different materials play a crucial role in determining their applications. This article focuses on the comparison and analysis of two materials: PA6 – GF30 and PA6 – CF30 (PA6-CF-BCA3), based on the test data presented in the table.

Note: Polyamide 6 (PA6) – based composites are widely used in various industries due to their excellent mechanical properties. The two materials under discussion are both PA6 – based, but with different reinforcements. PA6 – GF30 contains 30% glass fiber (GF), while PA6 – CF30 PA6-CF-BCA3 contains 30% carbon fiber (CF).

II. Density
The density of PA6-GF30 is 1.36 g/cm³, and that of PA6-CF30 is 1.26 g/cm³. The lower density of the latter indicates that it is lighter. This property makes PA6+CF30 more suitable for applications where weight reduction is important, such as in the aerospace industry.

III. Mechanical Properties
A. Tensile Strength
PA6 – GF30 has a tensile strength of 180 MPa, while PA6 – CF30 has a tensile strength of 240 MPa. The higher tensile strength of PA6 – CF30 implies that it can withstand greater pulling forces without breaking. This makes it ideal for components that need to bear significant tensile loads, like cables or structural members.
B. Flexural Strength and Modulus
The flexural strength of PA6 – GF30 is 270 MPa, and that of PA6 – CF30 is 350 MPa. Similarly, the flexural modulus of PA6 – GF30 is 9000 MPa, and for PA6 – CF30 PA6-CF-BCA3, it is 19000 MPa. These results show that PA6 – CF30 has better resistance to bending forces. It is well – suited for applications such as beams or frames that are subject to bending loads.
C. Impact Strength
However, when it comes to impact strength, PA6 GF30 has an advantage. Its un – notched Izod impact strength is 95 KJ/m², compared to 60 KJ/m² of PA6 CF30. The notched Izod impact strength of PA6 GF30% is 15 KJ/m², and that of PA6 – CF30 is 9 KJ/m². This means that PA6 – GF30 is more resistant to sudden impacts, which makes it suitable for applications where there may be a risk of sudden shocks.

IV. Electrical Properties
The surface resistivity of PA6 – GF30 is 1.0E + 13 ohms, while that of PA6 – CF30 is less than 1.0E + 3 ohms. The much lower surface resistivity of PA6 – CF30 indicates that it has better electrical conductivity. This property is beneficial for applications where electrostatic dissipation or electrical conduction is required, such as in electronic device casings.

V. Cost
The price of PA6 – GF30 is less than that of PA6 – CF30. The higher cost of PA6 – CF30 may limit its widespread use, despite its superior properties in some aspects.

VI. Conclusion
Both PA6 – GF30 and PA6 – CF30 have their own advantages. PA6 – GF30 is more suitable for applications requiring good impact resistance and cost – effectiveness. On the other hand, PA6 – CF30 is preferred for applications that demand high strength, light weight, and good electrical conductivity, despite its higher cost. Engineers and material scientists need to carefully consider the requirements of specific applications when choosing between these two materials.