Experimental and theoretical analysis of the mechanical and thermal properties of carbon nanotube/acrylonitrile–styrene–butadiene nanocomposites. (20th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al-Saleh, Mohammed H.; Al-Saidi, Bader A.; Al-Zoubi, Raed M.
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 89(2016)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 17
• Publication Date: 2016-04-20
• Subjects: Polymer matrix composites -- Mechanical properties -- Microstructures; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.01.053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, experimental and theoretical analysis of the microstructure and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)/Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) nanocomposite were conducted. In addition, the thermal degradation behavior of the nanocomposite as function of CNT was investigated. CNT/ABS nanocomposites filled with up to 10 wt% CNT were prepared by melt mixing followed by compression molding. Due to the compatibility between the CNT and the styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) part of the ABS matrix, excellent dispersion with good interfacial adhesion at the CNT/SAN interface was observed. This microstructure was found to significantly improve the nanocomposites' tensile strength and Young's modulus. Both the volume exclusion electrical percolation model and the Cox tensile modulus model expected that the aspect ratio of the nanofiller after melt mixing is about 80. This value is consistent with the experimentally measured value for the same type of nanotubes in literature. Graphical abstract: Highlights: CNT/ABS nanocomposites filled with up to 10 wt% CNT were prepared by melt mixing. Good interfacial adhesion at the nanofiller/polymer interface was observed. As a result, significant improvement in tensile strength and Young's modulus. Theoretical models predicated that the aspect ratio of CNT after melt mixing is ∼80. Experimentally measured aspect ratio for the same type of CNT in literature is ∼80.