Polyether block amides (PEbA) are plasticizer-free engineering thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) [1]. These TPEs consist of linear chains of rigid polyamide blocks covalently linked to flexible polyether segments via ester groups. Commercial PEbA elastomers are mostly based on nylon 12 and poly(tetramethylene oxide)s. However, various nylons and different poly(alkylene oxide) have also been used to synthesize TPEs based on polyamide [2]. Their unique properties and easy processing allows this copolymer to achieve a wide range of applications, including: athletic shoes and sports equipment; industrial tubing and piping; drive belts; films and packaging; medical delivery catheters.

In recent years, inorganic nanoparticles filled polymer-based materials have received increasing interest due to their reinforcing effect. The use of fumed silica as filler in thermoplastics: PP, HDPE, PET, PS and PES have been documented in the literature. No data have been reported on silica nanoparticles filled PEbA as yet, what has attracted our attention. We studied the influence of nano-silica concentrations on performance of PEbA by DSC, DMA, TGA, SEM, friction testing, scratch testing, sliding wear and tensile testing. The mechanical, tribological and thermal properties were enhanced by an increased silica content due to the interaction of the amide groups and silanol groups of the silica.

References:

[1] Holden G., Legge N.R., Quirk R., Schroeder H.E.: Thermoplastic Elastomers, 2^nd Edition, Hanser, Munich-Cincinnati, 1996. [2] Baltá Calleja F. J., Roslaniec Z.: Block Copolymers, Marcel Dekker, Inc., 2000.

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1. Thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer reinforced with fumed silica nanoparticles: effects on thermal, mechanical and tribological properties