Graphene networks with low percolation threshold in ABS nanocomposites: selective localization and electrical and...

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin (ABS)/graphene nanocomposites were prepared through a facile coagulation method. Because the chemical reduction of graphene oxide was in situ conducted in the presence of ABS at the dispersion stage, the aggregation of the graphene nanosheets was avoided. It was shown by transmission electron microscopy that the graphene nanosheets were selectively located and homogeneously dispersed in the styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) phase. The electrical conductivity and linear viscoelastic behavior of the nanocomposites were systematically studied. With increasing filler content, graphene networks were established in the SAN phase. Consequently, the nanocomposites underwent a transition from electrical insulator to conductor at a percolation threshold of 0.13 vol %, which is smaller than that of other ABS composites. Such a low percolation threshold results from extreme geometry, selective localization, and homogeneous dispersion of the graphene nanosheets in SAN phase. Similarly, the rheological response of the nanocomposites also showed a transition to solid-like behavior. Due to the thermal reduction of graphene nanosheets and structure improvement of graphene networks, enhanced electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites was obtained after annealing.