The Effect of Molybdenum Disulfide on the Physical, Mechanical, and Technological Properties of Polyamide-6

The article considers the features of polyamide-6 modification with additives based on molybdenum disulfide, which significantly expands the scope of its application. However, polymer modification not only alters the target properties but may also affect other characteristics, sometimes negatively. The main task for developers of composite material is to select a balanced composition to achieve the desired goal—obtaining an antifriction, wear-resistant composite. The study presents a brief analysis of the effect of molybdenum disulfide on the overall properties of the polymer composites based on a literature review of publications from the last 5–7 years (16 sources, including cross-references). The effect of molybdenum disulfide on the physico-mechanical and technological properties of polyamide-6 has been investigated. In addition, various approaches to the creation of polymer composites are discussed. Initially, a fairly wide range of additive concentrations was studied and a narrow sector of its rational and effective use was determined. In the second stage of the study, the approach to polymer modification was changed. A modification scheme focused on large-scale production of polymer products was used. Based on the results of preliminary studies, international experience in this area was analyzed. It was noted that similar effects were observed when creating nanocomposites using modified molybdenum disulfide samples, but the general behavior of the polymer material and the achieved characteristics are different. The study highlights the challenges in producing MoS₂-based composites via direct mixing of components in a twin-screw extruder and proposes a method for their production using concentrates. The behavior of polymer compositions in the areas of ultimate deformations were investigated, revealing an increase in tensile strength and a change in the destruction mechanisim with hypotheses proposed regarding their nature. It was noted that the zone of ultimate deformations could be a subject of further research and is of interest in the context of forming highly oriented states in polyamide-6 composites.