Enhancement of Vehicle Airbag Nylon 66 Fabric Properties Coated with PVA/Silica Nanoparticles Composite

Abstract

The vehicle airbags are safety systems used to cushion the driver or passenger during a collision and reduce bodily injuries. Airbags are typically made from woven fabric, which may be coated or uncoated fabric. In this research nylon 66 fabric was Coated with composite of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and different concentration of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles. The fabrics were characterized by different instruments such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC),Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Water Contact Angle (WCA), Tensile Strength Tester and Airpermeability Tester. Nylon 66 fabric was coated with PVA and higher concentration of silica nanoparticles has a thin layer thickness rechead to (0.009mm). Moreover, the final dry weight of the coating (PVA/SiO2) material taken by the nylon 66 fabric is 0.4 gram per square meter. The thermal properties of nylon 66 coated with PVA/SiO2 nanoparticles has been improved, including better mechanical properties according to commercial guidelines airbag (FMVSS). Nylon 66 fabric coated with PVA/SiO2 nanoparticles demonstrated the a hydrophobicity property. The airpermeability has decreased by increasing the amount of silica nanoparticles in the composite material.