Preparing cellulose nanocrystal/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene nanocomposites using the master-batch method
Libo Ma1, Yang Zhang2, Yujie Meng3
1College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; Department of Materials Engineering, Changzhou Institute of Engineering Technology, Changzhou 213164, China; Center for Renewable Carbon, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|April 11, 2015
Summary
A master-batch method effectively disperses cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) for enhanced nanocomposites. This simple process improves mechanical properties and thermal stability for industrial applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) offer excellent reinforcement potential.
- Incorporating CNC into hydrophobic polymers like acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) presents dispersion challenges.
- Effective CNC dispersion is crucial for enhancing nanocomposite properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple master-batch method for incorporating CNC into ABS.
- To evaluate the dispersion, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the resulting ABS/CNC nanocomposites.
- To assess the industrial scalability of the proposed method.
Main Methods:
- A two-stage master-batch process was employed, creating high-CNC content (70 wt%) pellets.
- These master-batch pellets were mixed with ABS and maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene in an extruder.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), tensile testing, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were used for characterization.
Main Results:
- SEM confirmed even dispersion of self-assembled CNC nanosheets within the ABS matrix.
- Tensile and DMA tests indicated improved mechanical properties, demonstrating good compatibility between CNC and ABS.
- TGA revealed an increased thermal degradation temperature for CNC within the master batch due to ABS coating.
Conclusions:
- The master-batch method facilitates effective dispersion and integration of CNC in hydrophobic polymer matrices.
- This approach significantly enhances the mechanical and thermal properties of ABS/CNC nanocomposites.
- The method is industrially scalable and applicable to other hydrophobic thermoplastics, offering a versatile route for nanocomposite production.
