Mechanical properties and morphology of polypropylene/poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) nanocomposites: Effect of compatibilizer and montmorillonite content

Polypropylene (PP)/poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) blends containing montmorillonite (MMT) compatibilized with polypropylene-grafted maleic anhydride were prepared by melt extrusion using twin screw extruder followed by injection molding. Mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile, flexural, and impact testing. The microstructure and formation of nanocomposites were assessed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Incorporation of polypropylene-grafted maleic anhydride and MMT into PP/ABS blend led to higher strength and stiffness but at the expense of toughness. Scanning electron micrographs revealed a fine and homogeneous dispersion of ABS phase in PP matrix. Both XRD and transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed the formation of intercalated clay silicate layer in PP/ABS nanocomposites.