Thermo-mechanical properties of polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified HNTs filled ABS/PVC composites

Abstract

In this work, the surface properties of Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are successfully altered by using the Polyethyleneimine (PEI). Modified HNTs (m-HNTs) have successfully incorporated in Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene copolymer (ABS) and Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) blends with the help of injection molding machine, by melt mixing process. In order to enhance the thermo-mechanical properties of 90/10 ABS/PVC blends and its m-HNTs filled composites, the m-HNTs were varied in wt% like 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2. The enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of the 90/10 ABS/PVC blends were observed at 1.5 wt% addition of m-HNTs. There was measurable difference in mechanical properties like tensile and impact strength of prepared composites, 74.46% and 36.73% respectively. However, it was also observed that thermal stability of the prepared blends in addition of m-HNTs was improved hand in hand which is explained with the help of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The m-HNTs filled 90/10 wt% ABS/PVC can be used in different areas like pipe fittings, electric applications, automobile, etc.