Characterization of bio‐filler derived from seashell wastes and its effect on the mechanical, thermal, and flame retardant properties of ABS composites

Abstract

The seashell is mainly composed of calcium carbonate and organic materials which, when decompose, produce harmful gases with significant odor and toxicity. Therefore, their wastes are considered to be a problem and could be hazardous to human. To overcome this problem, this study proposed to use grinded seashell wastes (SS) as a bio‐filler to reinforce acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer (ABS). Commercial calcium carbonate, CaCO3 (CC) was also used to compare the results. The filler and their composites were characterized by X‐ray Fluorescence (XRF), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Cone Calorimeter. DMA data show that the addition of low amounts of seashell bio‐filler to ABS increases the storage modulus (E′). The glass transition temperature (Tg) values are shifted to higher temperature. On the other hand, the ABS/SS composite shows a higher tensile strength than CC filled ABS. TGA results exhibit that there is an enhancement in the thermal stability when calcium carbonate from seashell is added. Good flame retardant properties were achieved with increasing the bio‐filler content. According to XRD and FT‐IR results of the char residues after cone calorimetric tests, the compact char layer acts as a barrier to oxygen and heat transfer, preventing the escape of polymer fragments to the gas phase, and decreasing the heat release rate during combustion. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2788–2797, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers