Viscoelastic, mechanical, and thermal characterization of fly ash‐filled ABS composites and comparison of fly ash surface treatments

Abstract

AbstractIn the present investigation, viscoelastic, mechanical, thermal properties, and microstructural analysis of ABS reinforced with various surface treated fly ash (FA) has been studied. FA particles were surface treated with various chemical reagents, i.e., Ca(OH)2, NaOH, and Bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfane (Si69) to improve the interfacial adhesion between ABS and FA. DMA tests confirmed an increase in the stiffness in the surface treated composites. Hybrid ABS/FA composites showed optimum storage modulus and Tg as compared with the virgin matrix. TGA analysis also showed higher thermal stability of ABS/FA composites than virgin matrix with the surface treatments of FA. The treated FA composites also show improved mechanical properties compared to untreated FA composite. The morphology of virgin matrix, untreated and treated FA composites was studied employing SEM. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers