Role of nanofiller in friction of polymers based on polycaproamide: Indirect effect

The effect of nanofillers (multiwalled carbon nanotubes) on the tribological behavior of polycaproamide is studied when introduced into the polymer by polymerization filling. The introduction of insignificant quantities (∼0.1 wt %) of nanotubes provides their homogeneous distribution in the polymer and contributes to reducing the wear and friction coefficient. This is mainly due to the role of nanotubes as nucleators of the fine spherulitic polycaproamide structure. Such an indirect effect of the nanofiller on the polymer’s tribological behavior is seen when nanotubes are added to the melt in the course of granulation of polycaproamide compositions reinforced by carbon fibers, the effect of nanotubes being reduced with increasing amount of the reinforcing filler.