An investigation on the mechanical and thermal performance of a novel functionally graded materials–based thermoplastic composites

This work investigates the mechanical, fracture toughness, and thermomechanical peculiarity of a novel functionally graded materials (FGMs)–based glass fiber–filled polyamide 66 (PA66) composites. FGMs-based PA66 are fabricated through a particularly designed mold and a punch. Punch is a rotating element of the mold and rotates at 1800 r/min for two min for the fabrication of FGMs. Gradation of fibers takes place in FGMs toward the periphery of the punch cavity due to the centrifugal force. Neat PA66 and homogeneous composites are also fabricated through the same mold for comparative study. Punch remains stationary during the fabrication of neat PA66 and homogeneous composites. PA66 granules filled with 15 wt% and 30 wt% of glass fibers are used to manufacture FGMs and homogeneous composites. Ignition loss test, hardness measurement, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis are used to verify the gradation of glass fibers within FGMs. Result analysis concluded that FGMs performed better as compared to neat PA66 and homogeneous composites. FGMs-based thermoplastic composites have full scope to fabricate polymer gears used in low load applications. This manufacturing route shows a promising potential for fabrication of FGMs-based thermoplastics which otherwise is difficult to manufacture because of their high solidification rate at room temperature.