Experimental study on the mechanical properties, morphology and fluidity of ABS/PBT/CNT nanocomposites

Abstract

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer owing to its relatively good mechanical properties is broadly used in the production of plastic products. However, ABS low fluidity prevents molding of thin-walled products. In this study, poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT) was applied into ABS to enhance fluidity. In addition, carbon nanotubes utilized to promote mechanical performances. ABS/PBT blends of three different weight percentages (90/10, 80/20, 70/30) and nanocomposites based on ABS/PBT (80/20) blend containing 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 wt. % of carbon nanotubes were prepared by employing a twin-screw extruder and an injection molding machine. The mechanical properties including tensile, flexural and impact resistance along with morphology and fluidity of different samples were investigated. The presence of 10, 20 and 30 wt.% PBT in ABS elevated the melt flow index as much as 25, 58 and 78% respectively as compared to pure ABS. The inclusion of PBT enhanced tensile and flexural strengths but reduced notched impact resistance. The existence of carbon nanotubes in ABS/PBT improved mechanical properties. The highest tensile strength was observed in nanocomposite containing 0.5 wt.% carbon nanotubes. The maximum flexural strength and impact resistance were observed in nanocomposite containing 0.3 wt.% carbon nanotubes. SEM studies showed the significant effect of CNT inclusion on the fracture morphology of nanocomposite samples.