The Influence of Graphene Nano-Sheets Inclusion on the Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics of Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene Copolymer

Abstract

Graphene nano-sheets (GNS) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) were combined with various GNS inclusion quantities. The influence of GNS on the thermal, mechanical, electrical, and fireproofing characteristics of ABS-GNS composites have been researched. With the inclusion of 3.0 wt% GNS, the hardness, Young's Modulus, elastic modulus, bending strength, bending modulus, storage modulus, and conductivity of the ABS-GNS composites enhanced by 1647%, 21%, 37%, 19%, 70%, 43%, and 900% correspondingly. Moreover, the cone calorimeter and TGA-DTG test results showed significant thermal strength, and flame-resistant characteristics were induced on the ABS-GNS composites. These improved characteristics are associated with the appropriate spread and close contact of GNS and ABS structure as verified with the electron microscopy outcome.