Influence of MMT as reinforcement on rheological behavior, mechanical and morphological properties of recycled PET/ABS thermoplastic nanocomposites

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of incorporating nanofiller, montmorillonite (MMT) on mechanical, morphological and rheological properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) nanocomposites. The MMT contents in 70:30 ABS/rPET and 30:70 ABS/rPET ranged from 1 to 5 wt%. The ABS/rPET nanocomposites were extruded and injection-molded into tensile, flexural and impact test samples. Samples underwent rheological testing by using melt flow index (MFI) and capillary rheometer and the morphology of the nanocomposites was investigated by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The maximum tensile strength and flexural strength were at 1 wt.% of MMT for both blends. However, tensile modulus and flexural modulus reached maximum point at 3 wt.% and started to decrease beyond 3 wt.%% of MMT. Impact strength for both blending decreased significantly with the incorporation of MMT. MFI values decreased with the increment of MMT for 30:70 ABS/rPET, but increased for 70:30 ABS/rPET. The incorporation of MMT increased the melt strength of 30:70 ABS/rPET nanocomposites. Shear viscosity showed increment with the increasing MMT concentration for 30:70 ABS/rPET nanocomposites. However, shear viscosity decreased with the increment of MMT for 70:30 ABS/rPET. FESEM micrographs show good distribution and dispersion of MMT in 30:70 ABS/rPET, but poor dispersion and agglomeration of MMT in 70:30 ABS/rPET.