Influence of halloysite nanotubes and intumescent flame retardant on mechanical and thermal properties of 80/20 (wt/wt) PP/ABS blend and their composites in the presence of dual compatibilizer

• Published in: Journal of thermoplastic composite materials 2018-02, Vol.31 (2), p.202-222
• Main Authors: Saheb, SMD Mastan, Tambe, Pankaj, Malathi, M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0892-7057; 1530-7980
• DOI: 10.1177/0892705717697775

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and intumescent flame retardant (IFR)-filled 80/20 (wt/wt) polypropylene/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (PP/ABS) blend and their composites in the presence of dual compatibilizer have been prepared using twin screw extruder followed by injection molding. There exists the formation of α- and β-form of PP crystals in addition to enhancement in crystallinity of PP phase by an addition of HNTs and IFR in 80/20 (wt/wt) PP/ABS blend and their composites in the presence of dual compatibilizer. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals the formation of matrix-droplet morphology, and the dispersion of HNTs and IFR in 80/20 (wt/wt) PP/ABS blend and its composites in the presence of dual compatibilizer results in a refinement in matrix-droplet morphology. This has resulted in an enhancement in tensile and impact properties of HNTs- and IFR-filled 80/20 (wt/wt) PP/ABS blend and their composites in the presence of dual compatibilizer. Thermal stability also increases by an addition of HNTs and IFR in 80/20 (wt/wt) PP/ABS blend and their composites in the presence of dual compatibilizer due to formation of intumescent char.