ABS Blends Research Articles

Influence of Particle Size and Content of Agglomerated Polybutadiene on Mechanical and Rheological Properties of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Terpolymer

The particle size of polybutadiene (PB) particles can be effectively controlled through polymer agglomeration. However, up to now, the impact of the particle size and concentration of agglomerated PB on the mechanical properties and rheological behavior of ABS terpolymer remains unclear. Our research described here studied the effect of the particle size and content of agglomerated PB on the mechanical and rheological properties of ABS. It was found that the impact strength of ABS with a bimodal size distribution of PB (67/452 nm) exceeded that of ABS with a unimodal PB size distribution within the PB content range studied. Furthermore, the impact strength of the ABS containing 319 nm PB above the brittle-toughness transition point was greater than that of other ABS containing unimodal PB at the same PB content. For ABS with a unimodal PB distribution, the PB contents of ABS containing 220, 319, and 415 nm PB at the brittle ductile transition point were 14%, 12%, and 16%, respectively. The tensile strength and melting index of the ABS containing different particle sizes of agglomerated PB decreased linearly with the increase of PB content. Rheological tests showed the viscosity and dynamic viscoelastic properties of the ABS blends. All ABS exhibited shear-thinning behavior, and the addition of PB content resulted in more elastic than viscous behavior in the ABS blends. At the same angular frequency (ω), higher PB content corresponded to greater complex viscosity in the ABS blends. In addition, as the PB content in ABS was increased, it exhibited more solid-like behavior. This study, we suggest, provides a good insight into the effect of agglomerated PB on the ABS/PB blend properties and explores practical applications for the polymer agglomeration of polybutadiene latex (PBL).

Optimization of Tensile Strength and Shrinkage on R-Abs and Abs Blend using Taguchi and Pcr-Topsis Method

Optimization of Tensile Strength and Shrinkage on R-Abs and Abs Blend using Taguchi and Pcr-Topsis Method

Development of sustainable 3D printing filaments using recycled/virgin ABS blends: Processing and characterization

AbstractWaste plastic exposed to the environment creates problems and is of significant concern for all life forms. To reuse the waste plastic in a well‐organized manner and make it more productive, extrusion‐based additive manufacturing, specially fused deposition modeling technique, can be an effective way. Hence, the primary objective of this work is to reuse ABS waste for developing sustainable three‐dimensional printing filaments. A mixed feedstock processing approach is used to develop filaments, in which recycled ABS is blended with virgin ABS in weight ratio of 10%–50%. The rheological and thermo‐mechanical properties of the extruded filaments were examined. Results indicated that increasing extrusion temperature from 190°C to 195°C produced significant physical changes in ABS blends. There is a breakdown of styrene acrylonitrile and butadiene component in ABS which causes strain hardening and material stiffening. The Young's modulus, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of 80% RABS/20% VABS filament were found to be 2329, 34.814 and 40.82 MPa, respectively, which is close to VABS filament. The novel filament produced from recycled/virgin ABS blends has the capability to replace commercially available ABS filaments for fabricating high‐quality plastic parts through an additive manufacturing routine.

The Influence of Processing Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of Poly(Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene)/ Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) (ABS/PMMA) Blends

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) can improve the mechanical and optical properties of poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS). The blends of ABS and PMMA are applied to produce electrical enclosures with high requirements for gloss and hardness. Knowledge about the processing conditions that influence the blends of polymers is important to achieve the best material properties. In our research described here, ABS/PMMA blends and their testing samples were separately prepared under various processing conditions based on polymer blending theory. The influence of extrusion (times) and injection (temperatures and pressures) conditions on the mechanical properties and morphologies of the ABS/PMMA blends were investigated. Appropriate processing conditions and optimal mechanical properties of the ABS/PMMA blends were obtained. The blends following extrusion processing twice had better impact strength, tensile properties, and bending properties than those prepared with only one extrusion processing. The blends prepared under injection processing conditions (220 °C, 70 MPa) had better mechanical properties than those prepared under other conditions. Therefore, it was possible to correlate the processing conditions with the evaluated mechanical properties.

The influence of viscosity and composition of ABS on the ABS/SBS blend morphology and properties

ABSTRACTAcrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) shows excellent impact resistance and good stiffness. The incorporation of thermoplastic elastomer into ABS may consist in an interesting approach to further improve the toughness of ABS, in addition to tuning its compatibility with reinforcements. Blends of ABS and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) were obtained by extrusion from different types of ABS with different SBS contents. The results showed that morphology and mechanical behavior of ABS/SBS blends depend strongly on the composition and characteristics of ABS matrix. An increase in elongation at break and slight decrease in modulus could be observed by increasing SBS content. ABS/SBS blend possessing good dispersion of rubber particles with sizes ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 μm of rubber particles exhibited the better performance of the impact resistance, whereas blends showing a predominance of relatively large particles resulted on poorer mechanical properties. These results suggest that viscosity and composition of ABS matrix play a significant role on the dispersion and coalescence of the dispersed phase during mixing. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47075.

Morphology and Electrical Conductivity of Ternary Polymer Blends Involving Liquid Crystalline Polymer Containing Carbon Nanotubes

AbstractMulti‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were melt‐mixed with the liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) phase to investigate MWCNTs dispersion and the electrical conductivity of LCP/MWCNTs composite. LCP/MWCNTs composite showed an insulating behavior even at 5 wt% of MWCNTs concentration, wherein MWCNTs were dispersed as ‘individualized’ as well as ‘nano‐agglomerated’ state in the LCP matrix. Further, LCP along with MWCNTs were melt‐mixed with 50/50 (wt/wt) polyamide 6 (PA6)/ acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS) and 50/50 (wt/wt) polyamide 66 (PA66)/ABS blends. Morphological observations showed that MWCNTs were preferentially dispersed in the polyamide (PA) phase, which led to the refinement of the ‘co‐continuous’ morphology. The electrical conductivity results showed that the theoretical electrical percolation thresholds of 0.9, 1.1 and 1.5 wt% of MWCNTs were achieved in the corresponding 90/10 (PA6/ABS)/LCP+MWCNTs, 95/5 (PA6/ABS)/LCP+MWCNTs and 95/5 (PA66/ABS)/LCP+MWCNTs blends. The lower melt‐viscosity associated with the PA phase led to the preferential localization of the MWCNTs in the PA phase. This strategy led to finer network structure of MWCNTs selectively in the PA phase of the ‘co‐continuous’ blend.

Preparation and applications of the tertiary copolymer poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate/methyl methacrylate/diethyl allylphosphonate

ABSTRACTA novel poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐butadiene‐co‐styrene) (ABS) antistatic and flame‐retardant agent, poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate/methyl methacrylate/diethyl allylphosphonate (PMMD), was synthesized from poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and diethyl allylphosphonate by free‐radical precipitation polymerization in the aqueous phase to improve the antistatic and flame‐retardant performance at the same time. Through adjustments of the molar ratios of the three monomers, various antistatic, flame‐retardant copolymers (PMMD) were synthesized. The molecular structure and thermal stability of PMMD were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The electrical resistivity and flame‐retardant and mechanical properties of the ABS/PMMD composites were analyzed by a ZC90 megohmmeter, an oxygen index meter, a vertical burning tester, a memory impact testing machine, and a tensile testing machine. The morphology of PMMD in the ABS blends was characterized with scanning electron microscopy. The compatibilities of PMMD and ABS were characterized by the calculation of the thermodynamic work of adhesion via the measurement of the contact angle. The results show that the antistatic and flame‐retardant performance of ABS were greatly improved by the PMMD copolymer and the mechanical properties of ABS showed little reduction. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44126.

The effect of graft copolymers of maleic anhydride and epoxy resin on the mechanical properties and morphology of PP/ABS blends

ABSTRACTIn this work, maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MAH) and maleic anhydride‐grafted poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (ABS‐g‐MAH) at 2 : 1 mass ratio were added as a compatibilizer in the PP/ABS blends. The compatibilizing effect was evaluated by adding the graft copolymers together with epoxy resin/imidazole curing agent (E51/2E4MZ). The reaction in reactive extrusion, morphological structure, and properties of PP and ABS blends were investigated by using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray spectrum, transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and mechanical properties tests. The results showed that the compatibilizing effect was greatly improved because of the addition of the graft copolymers together with epoxy resin/imidazole curing agent (E51/2E4MZ) because the link structure of PP‐g‐MAH and ABS‐g‐MAH was formed by the reaction of anhydride group with epoxy group catalyzed by the imidazole. The size of the dispersed phase decreased dramatically, the interfacial adhesion between ABS particles and PP matrix was improved, and the tensile strength and flexural modulus of the PP/ABS blends increased further. The optimizing properties were obtained at 3 phr E51/2E4MZ. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40898.

Harnessing Light and Single Masks to Create Multiple Patterns in a Ternary Blend with Photoinduced Reaction

Using cell dynamics system simulation, we provide a simple way to form differently ordered patterns in a photosensitive, immiscible ABC ternary blend. The first pattern is established by irradiating the sample through a mask, which serves to pin the non-photoactivity C regions and thereby promotes the self-assembly of A and B into ordered domains. When the mask is removed, the photoactivity of the AB blend leads to different periodic patterns. Thus, the use of one mask permits the creation of multiple ordered morphologies, which can be stable for a long time by quenching the system at the appropriate time or choosing a suitable composition ratio and mask shape. Furthermore, the influence on the morphology of the composition ratio, the shape of the mask, and the illumination intensity are studied systematically.

Structure and Thermomechanical Evaluation of Melt Processed Organoclay/ABS/PC Nanocomposites

AbstractSummary: In this work, blends of ABS and PC with various compositions were processed by melt compounding in a twin screw extruder and the obtained samples were studied in terms of structure and thermomechanical properties. The effect of incorporation of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoparticles on the above properties was also investigated. The addition of PC improves the thermal degradation resistance and tensile properties of ABS. The incorporation of OMMT into ABS/PC mixtures alters the thermal degradation mechanism for blends containing more than 50% PC and further improves the tensile properties and especially the modulus of elasticity.

Melt rheological and compatibility properties of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/ poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) blends

AbstractIn this study, a series of maleic anhydride (MA)‐grafted poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (ABS‐g‐MAH) were prepared via a melt banbury process on a RM‐200B torque rheometer and used as a compatibilizer for recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (R‐PET/ABS) blends. The melt rheological and compatibility properties of R‐PET/ABS blends were investigated. It had been found that 5 wt % of MA was an optimum concentration for the preparation of ABS‐g‐MAH. About 1 wt % of ABS‐g‐MAH prepared at the MA optimum conditions shows good compatibility for the basic blend of R‐PET/ABS 85/15 w/w. Rheological and SEM characterizations confirmed that the phase reversal of blends occurred at R‐PET/ABS ratio of 75/25 w/w. DMA results indicated that R‐PET was partially miscible with ABS, and ABS‐g‐MAH was an efficient compatibilizer for R‐PET/ABS blends. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012

Promoting Network Formation in Nanorod-filled Binary Blends

ABSTRACTUsing a hybrid computational approach, we introduce A-like nanorods into a phaseseparating AB blend, which has 45/55 composition. In the absence of the rods, the minority A phase forms droplets in the matrix of B. With the addition of N = 670 rods that interact solely through a short range repulsive interaction (mimicking the steric stabilization provided by a coating of A ligands), the mixture retains this droplet morphology. When, however, we add an effective attraction between the sterically stabilized rods, the nanoparticles form extensive networks in the A phase, which can form a continuous phase. In addition to altering the morphology of the mixture, the attractive interaction influences the rate of domain growth. In particular, at early times, the mutually attractive rods increase the growth rate of the domains in the early stage. At late times, the domain growth crosses over to a slow growth regime. Our findings demonstrate that the morphology and coarsening of a rod-filled blend can be controlled by varying the rod-rod interaction and hence, provides guidelines for tailoring the electrical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites.

Impact of Monomer Sequence, Composition and Chemical Heterogeneity on Copolymer-Mediated Effective Interactions between Nanoparticles in Melts

The microscopic polymer reference interaction site model theory is applied to study the structural correlations of dilute spherical nanoparticles dissolved in AB copolymer melts of variable architecture (alternating, random), composition, and monomer−nanoparticle adsorption strengths that span the depletion, steric stabilization, and bridging regimes. Comparison of the calculations of the monomer−particle pair correlations and polymer-mediated nanoparticle potential of mean force (PMF) with the behavior of reference homopolymers and a binary AB blend are also performed. All intermonomer potentials are hard core, which precludes polymer macrophase or microphase separation, thereby allowing the consequences of differential monomer wettability on nanoparticle spatial organization to be isolated. For each copolymer case, one monomer species adsorbs more strongly on the filler than the other, mimicking a specific attraction. The PMF for the alternating copolymer is similar to that of an analogous homopolymer with additional spatial modulation or layering features. Random copolymers, and the polymer blend, mediate a novel strong and spatially long-range attractive bridging type interaction between nanoparticles at moderate to high adsorption strengths. The depth of this attraction in the PMF is a nonmonotonic function of random copolymer composition, reflecting subtle competing enthalpic and entropic considerations. Virial-based estimates of the maximum solubility of nanoparticles are computed.

COMPATIBILITY OF PA6/ABS BLENDS WITH SMA/MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES

采用原位插层法制备苯乙烯马来酸酐交替共聚物/蒙脱石（SMA/MMT）纳米复合材料增容PA6/ABS共混体系，并与SMA及MMT的增容效果进行比较，运用TEM、SEM、DSC及XRD研究了增容剂 SMA/MMT及MMT的增容机理.结果表明，采用SMA做增容剂，体系机械性能下降；MMT可使体系拉伸强度提高，但冲击强度下降；采用SMA/MMT纳米复合材料做为增容剂，可提高共混体系的强度及韧性.TEM、XRD、DSC及SEM研究结果表明，PA6/ABS/(SMA-MMT)体系中MMT主要分布于两相界面处，ABS及PA6分子链可进入MMT层间，形成类似于共聚物结构，起到增容剂的作用，从而降低分散相粒径，增加两相界面作用力，有利于体系力学性能的提高.PA6/ABS/MMT体系中MMT主要分布于连续相PA6中，虽然对分散相粒径影响较小，但增强了PA6相强度，使得体系力学性能提高.

Effects of PP-g-MAH on the Mechanical, morphological and rheological properties of polypropylene and poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) blends

The effects of maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MAH) addition on polypropylene (PP) and poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) blends were studied. Blends of PP/ABS (70/30, wt%) with PP-g-MAH were prepared by a twin-screw extruder. From the results of mechanical testing, the impact, tensile and flexural strengths of the blends were maximized at a PP-g-MAH content 3 phr. The increased mechanical strength of the blends with the PP-g-MAH addition was attributed to the compatibilizing effect of the PP and ABS blends. In the morphological studies, the droplet size of ABS was minimized (6.6 μm) at a PP-g-MAH content of 3 phr. From the rheological examination, the complex viscosity was maximized at a PP-g-MAH content of 3 phr. These mechanical, morphological and rheological results indicated that the compatibility of the PP/ABS (70/30) blends is increased with PP-g-MAH addition to an optimum blend at a PP-g-MAH content of 3 phr.

Forming ordered structures in ternary, photosensitive blends through the use of masks

Using computational modeling, we present a facile method for creating defect-free, spatially periodic structures in immiscible, ternary ABC blends. The approach harnesses a photosensitive, reversible inter-conversion reaction between the A and B components; we specifically focus on cases where the rate of the forward reaction is higher than the reverse reaction. We also utilize a photomask that contains a regular arrangement of holes. When a film of the ternary blend is irradiated through the mask, the C component diffuses to the holes and becomes pinned in these regions. For certain blend compositions, the film forms a defect-free structure that replicates the pattern of the overlying mask. With the removal of the mask, the whole sample becomes uniformly irradiated and the photo-activity of the AB blend drives the mixture to self-assemble into a complex periodic pattern. Thus, the use of one mask permits the creation of multiple ordered morphologies, which can be locked into the film by quenching the system at the appropriate time. The findings reveal that the ordering is controlled by the reaction rate coefficients, the overall composition of the mixture and initial conditions.

Non-isothermal combustion behaviour of coal blends in a thermobalance as seen by optical microscopy

Combustion at programmed temperature in a thermobalance is a common test for the rapid assessment of coal combustibility. In this study two series of blends (low rank/medium rank coal-AB and low rank/petroleum coke-AC) with the low rank coal in three different proportions (1/4, 2/4 and 3/4) have been tested. Samples have been ground and sieved to 20–75 μm after blend preparation. The combustion profiles indicated different behaviour for the two series of samples: the AB series showed wide curves with the presence of shoulders whereas the AC series showed two maxima corresponding to the component fuels. The comparison of the calculated and experimental curves indicated different effects of blending on the relevant temperatures and reactivity of the blends. In the AB blend most relevant parameters were similar than expected and only a slight reduction of burnout temperature was observed. In the AC series the difference between calculated and experimental values was large with higher initiation temperatures, lower burnout temperatures and higher reactivity in the experimental curves. This indicates synergistic effects for the combination of subbituminous/petroleum coke blends. In order to visualize the relative combustibility of the coals the reaction was stopped at 50% conversion and the samples were examined through the microscope. The combustion of the particles followed a shrinking core pattern in which the core of the low rank particles remained isotropic whereas anisotropy development was observed in the medium rank coal. The reflectance of the coals increased with increasing the temperature at which the reaction was stopped regardless the rank of the parent coal following a linear trend. The consumption rate of the low rank coal increased with temperature rise.

Using a Single Mask to Create Multiple Patterns in Three-Component, Photoreactive Blends

Via simulations, we demonstrate a simple route for forming defect-free patterns in a photosensitive, immiscible ABC blend. The first pattern is established by irradiating the sample through a mask, which serves to pin the C regions and thereby promotes the self-assembly of A and B into ordered domains. When the mask is removed, the photoactivity of the AB blend leads to different periodic patterns. Thus, the use of one mask permits the creation of multiple ordered morphologies, which can be locked into the film by quenching the system at the appropriate time.

Effects of compatibilizer on mechanical, morphological, and rheological properties of polypropylene/poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) blends

The effects of a compatibilizer on polypropylene (PP)/poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) blends were studied. Blends of the PP/ABS, with PP-g-SAN copolymer as a compatibilizer, were prepared using a twin screw extruder. The flexural and impact strength of the PP/ABS blends with the PP-g-SAN copolymer increased significantly with PP-rich compositions on the addition of the PP-g-SAN copolymer at 3 phr. The increase in the mechanical properties of the PP/ABS/PP-g-SAN blend may have been due to the toughening effects of the ABS in the PP-rich compositions. In the morphology study of the PP/ABS/PP-g-SAN (80/20) blend with the PP-g-SAN copolymer, the minimum droplet size, 5.1 μm, was observed with the addition of 3 phr of the PP-g-SAN copolymer. The complex viscosity of the PP/ABS/PP-g-SAN (80/20) blends increased with the addition of 3 phr of the PPg-SAN copolymer. From the above mechanical properties, morphology and complex viscosity results for the PP/ ABS blends, it is suggested that the compatibility is more increased with the PP-rich composition (PP:ABS = 80/ 20 wt%) of the PP/ABS blend on the addition of 3 phr of the PP-g-SAN copolymer.

Synergistic Effect of Montmorillonite and Intumescent Flame Retardant on Flame Retardance Enhancement of ABS

The synergistic effects of organic montmorillonite (OMMT) and intumescent flame retardant (IFR) based on the ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and pentaerythritol (PER) on flame retardant enhancement of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) were investigated by using the limiting oxygen index (LOI), the UL-94 (vertical flame) test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), x-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The LOI data and vertical flame tests show that OMMT has a synergistic flame retardant effect with IFR and the LOI value of ABS/OMMT/IFR (96/4/20) reaches 28.7%. The TGA data demonstrate that the incorporation of OMMT and IFR is very effective in enhancing the thermal stability of ABS/OMMT/IFR system at high temperature (T > 500°C). The results of XRD show that the composite of ABS/OMMT is a kind of intercalated nanocomposite and the gallery height of ABS/OMMT nanocomposite is 3.5 nm. The microstructures observed by SEM demonstrate that a suitable amount of OMMT with IFR can promote formation of compact intumescent charred layers in ABS blends.