Abstract: Nano silica was surface modified through solvent transfer method. In presence of the modified silica, ε-caprolactam was in situ polymerized leading to a master batches, which was subsequently blended with neat polyamide 6 resulting in nano-composites. TEM showed that a uniform dispersion of SiO₂ in the matrix was achieved, which may react as nucleating agent. The tensile stress and elongation of the nanocomposites were improved by 12.17% and 37.30% compared with those prepared by melting methods. The izod impact was increased by 37.25%.

Key words: polyamide 6, nano silicon dioxide, solvent transfer method, in-situ polymerization, master batches