Synergistic reinforcement with SEBS-g-MAH for enhanced thermal stability and processability in GO/RGO-filled PC/ABS composites

• Main Authors: Fatin Najwa, Joynal Abedin, Ahmad Noor Syimir, Fizal, Alkarkhi, Abbas F. M., Nor Afifah, Khalil, Ahmad Naim, Ahmad Yahaya, Hossain, Md Sohrab, Sairul Izwan, Safie, Nurul Ain, Ismail, Muzafar, Zulkifli
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI 2024
• Subjects: QD Chemistry; TP Chemical technology
• Online Access: http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/42786/1/polymers-16-02554-v2.pdf; http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/42786/; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182554

The integration of compatibilisers with thermoplastics has revolutionised the field of polymer composites, enhancing their mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties. This study investigates the synergistic effects of incorporating SEBS-g-MAH on the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/graphene oxide (PC/ABS/GO) (PAGO) and the properties of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/graphene oxide (PC/ABS/rGO) (PArGO) composites through the melt blending method. The synergistic effects on thermal stability and processability were analysed by using thermogravimetry (TGA), melt flow index (MFI), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The addition of SEBS-g-MAH improved the elongation at break (EB) of PAGO and PArGO up to 33% and 73%, respectively, compared to the uncompatibilised composites. The impact strength of PAGO was synergistically enhanced by 75% with the incorporation of 5 phr SEBS-g-MAH. A thermal analysis revealed that SEBS-g-MAH improved the thermal stability of the composites, with an increase in the degradation temperature (T80%) of up to 17% for PAGO at 1 phr SEBS-g-MAH loading. The compatibilising effect of SEBS-g-MAH was confirmed by FTIR analysis, which indicated interactions between the maleic anhydride groups and the PC/ABS matrix and GO/rGO fillers. The rheological measurements showed that the incorporation of SEBS-g-MAH enhanced the melt flowability (MFI) of the composites, with a maximum increase of 38% observed for PC/ABS. These results demonstrate the potential of SEBS-g-MAH as a compatibiliser for improving the unnotched impact strength (mechanical), thermal, and rheological properties of PC/ABS/GO and PC/ABS/rGO composites, achieving a synergistic effect.