A flat polymeric gradient material: preparation, structure and property

In this work, a novel processing method that combined extruding with laminate molding for preparing polymeric gradient material (PGM) has been investigated. Three modes of polypropylene/polyamide-6 flat PGM (signed with A1, A2, A3) are prepared successfully by using this new technique. The variation of composition, morphology and mechanical properties of specimens sampled along the thickness direction of these flat PGMs was confirmed and characterized through measurements of WAXD, elemental analysis, TEM observation and mechanical tests. Results indicate that the content of either polymer shows a gradient variation along the thickness direction. TEM photographs exhibit that morphology also evolves gradually with the varying percentage ratio of two polymers. As a result of such variations in composition and structure, the mechanical properties on both sides or from central part to outside of the flat PGMs exhibit a significant difference.