Mechanical and flammability properties of a polyamide 6,6 nanocomposite for nonstructural marine engine components

The actual replacement of traditional metallic components with plastic-based materials in the marine sector is currently extremely limited, mainly due to mechanical requirements and flammability issues. In this work, a fiberglass-reinforced polyamide 6,6 matrix, loaded with innovative flame retardants based on nanosized organoclays has been evaluated as a replacement for aluminum in a marine engine cover. Experimental data were acquired to assess the mechanical performances and flammability properties of this novel polymer nanocomposite in comparison with those of a commercial sample based on the same polymeric matrix loaded with traditional flame retardants. The results showed that then use of nanoclays in place of standard flame retardants increased the mechanical properties of the polymer nanocomposite at all tested temperatures (22% of modulus increase at 20 °C, 93% at 110 °C), concomitantly meeting the minimum nonflammability requirements (self-extinguishing, without dropping of flammable material).