Abstract:

In this study， a series of recycled polyamide 6 （PA6） materials was developed by blending virgin PA6 （V⁃PA6） with varying proportions of post⁃consumer recycled PA6 （PCR⁃PA6）. The mechanical properties （tensile， flexural， impact） and thermal stability of the blends were systematically investigated as a function of the PCR⁃PA6 content. Results indicated a gradual decline in these properties with increasing PCR⁃PA6 loading. However， when the PCR⁃PA6 content was lower than 20 wt%， the blends retained more than 90 % of their strength and plasticity， meeting the performance criteria for automotive plastics. To validate practical application， a deflector bracket was successfully injection⁃molded using the 20 wt% PCR⁃PA6 formulation. The component passed critical automotive qualification tests， including low⁃temperature impact resistance， thermal cycling， and light aging. Furthermore， a 7 500 km loaded road test confirmed the bracket's durability， with no observable changes in appearance or structure， demonstrating a service life compatible with vehicle requirements.

Key words: automobile, polycaprolactam, mechanical property, recycled material, deflector bracket