Effect of Injection Molding Parameters on the Tensile Strength of Short-Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Nylon 6

SCF/PA6 composites have gained extensive industrial applications due to their superior processability and moldability, with long-fiber pellet injection molding being the predominant manufacturing technique. However, systematic investigations into injection molding parameter optimization and its mechanistic impacts on tensile strength remain scarce. This study employed the Taguchi method to investigate the effects of four critical process parameters-injection pressure, melt temperature, mold temperature, and injection time-on the tensile strength of short-carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon 6 (SCF/PA6), while elucidating their underlying mechanisms. The optimal parameter combination within the experimental range was determined to be an injection pressure of 100 bar, a melt temperature of 280 °C, a mold temperature of 100 °C, and an injection time of 2 s. Under these optimized conditions, the tensile strength reached 184.33 MPa, representing an 8.05% enhancement over baseline values. Mechanistic analysis revealed that melt temperature and injection time (essentially reflecting injection velocity) primarily govern fiber orientation distribution. Notably, melt temperature additionally regulates molecular chain orientation in the amorphous matrix regions. Injection pressure predominantly influences process-induced defect formation and material densification. Mold temperature exhibits a negligible impact on tensile strength.