Improved mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene nanocomposites prepared by twin screw extruder

Abstract

Dispersion of carbon nanotubes in a thermoplastic polymer matrix is a big challenge in the research community. In the present study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were dispersed in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer by a twin screw extruder to improve mechanical and thermal properties. The desired ratio of MWCNT in ABS (1, 2, and 3 wt.%) were dispersed through single and double extrusion processes by a twin screw extruder. The test specimens of produced composites and pure ABS materials were prepared by micro-injection molding. The nanocomposites’ mechanical and thermal properties were investigated and compared with pure ABS. It has been found that the tensile strength has increased significantly for single-extruded and double-extruded composites. A comparative study of MWCNTs reinforced ABS nanocomposites and pure ABS was carried out using thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier's transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and Scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the microhardness has also increased for single- and double-extruded nanocomposites in comparison to pure ABS.