Polymers (Sep 2024)

Synergistic Reinforcement with SEBS-g-MAH for Enhanced Thermal Stability and Processability in GO/rGO-Filled PC/ABS Composites

  • Fatin Najwa Joynal Abedin,
  • Ahmad Noor Syimir Fizal,
  • Abbas F. M. Alkarkhi,
  • Nor Afifah Khalil,
  • Ahmad Naim Ahmad Yahaya,
  • Md. Sohrab Hossain,
  • Sairul Izwan Safie,
  • Nurul Ain Ismail,
  • Muzafar Zulkifli

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182554
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 18
p. 2554

Abstract

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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.

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