Molecular Orientation and Mechanical Properties of Biomass-Derived Aliphatic Polyamide (PA11) by High-Pressure Compression Molding

This study investigates the effects of high-pressure compression molding on the molecular orientation and mechanical properties of biomass-derived aliphatic polyamide (PA11). Tensile fracture strength exhibited a significant increase-up to 2.4 times that of untreated samples-under conditions of 1000 kN and 140 °C. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) analyses revealed a temperature- and pressure-dependent shift in crystalline phases, suggesting a transition from α' to phase. The δ' phase, formed by high-pressure compression molding, is retained even after cooling to room temperature (i.e., Brill transition was not observed). In addition, polarized optical microscopy (POM) observations further supported the presence of changes in molecular orientation. This enhancement (under conditions of 1000 kN and 140 °C) is primarily attributed to the molecular orientation. However, it is also noteworthy that the formation of the δ' phase is accompanied by an increase in the degree of crystallinity, and that this δ' phase is retained even after cooling to room temperature without undergoing a Brill transition. In contrast, at 180 °C, although the degree of crystallinity increased, molecular orientation decreased, resulting in reduced tensile strength. These findings indicate that the mechanical properties of PA11 are governed by a complex interplay among phase transitions, molecular orientation, and crystallization, all of which are strongly influenced by temperature and pressure conditions. These findings demonstrate that high-pressure compression molding is an effective method for enhancing the mechanical properties of PA11 through controlled phase transition and orientation.