Facile preparation of high-performance and multifunctional PVC-based nanocomposites with segregated structure achieved by volume repulsion and toughening effects of ABS

Abstract

A facile and industrially feasible approach for preparation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/conductive carbon black (CCB) nanocomposites with good electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, flame retardant property and toughness has been developed in this work. Specifically, acrylonitrile–butadienestyrene elastomer containing 67 wt% butadiene content (ABS) is chosen as volume exclusion phase and toughening phase for constructing PVC/CCB nanocomposites with segregated filler network structure and sea-island phase structure. Benefiting from more intact and denser filler network provided by segregated structure, the resultant PVC/ABS/CCB nanocomposites have exhibited higher electrical and thermal conductivity than those of PVC/CCB nanocomposites. Benefiting from high elasticity of polybutadiene rubber and molecular interface compatibility between PVC and acrylonitrile-containing shell of ABS, the resultant PVC/ABS/CCB nanocomposites have also exhibited excellent toughness. In a word, the as-fabricated PVC/ABS/CCB nanocomposites have advantages of low cost, simple preparation, high mechanical property and versatile functions, endowing them great practical value.