Enhancement of electrical conductivity and other related properties of epoxidized natural rubber/carbon nanotube composites by optimizing concentration of 3‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane

Carbon nanotube (CNT)‐filled epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) composites were prepared by mixing in an internal mixer and thereafter on a two‐roll mill. Silane coupling agent, namely 3‐aminopropyltriethoxy silane (APTES), was directly incorporated in the ENR‐CNT composites during mixing of rubber and CNTs in the mixer, to perform in situ functionalization. It was found that pre‐crosslinking of ENR and APTES occurred especially at high APTES concentrations, such as 0.06 mL/(g of CNTs) and caused strong CNT agglomeration in the ENR matrix. However, the pre‐crosslinking could be reduced or avoided by decreasing the APTES concentration. In the concentration range 0.01–0.015 mL/(g of CNTs) of APTES, the APTES molecules were grafted on the CNT surfaces and generated new chemical linkages with the ENR. This improved the CNT dispersion in the ENR matrix and enhanced the composite properties. A very low approximately 0.5 phr of CNT threshold concentration for electric percolation was achieved in this type of composites. Also, three‐dimensional connected CNT networks were found to form in the ENR matrix at very low APTES levels. Thus, the electrical conductivity achieved in these composites reached the level required of conductive materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:381–391, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanistic aspects of silane coupling agents with different functionalities on reinforcement of silica‐filled natural rubber compounds

Silane coupling agents containing different specific functionalities are studied to gain understanding of their roles in silica‐filled natural rubber (NR) compounds. Five different silane coupling agents, that is bis‐(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT), bis‐(triethoxysilylpropyl) disulfide (TESPD), octyltriethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane, and bis‐(trimethyl‐silylmethyl) tetrasulfide (TMSMT), are comparatively investigated, by taking the most commonly used TESPT as a reference. The results reveal that alkoxy‐based silanes can effectively reduce the filler–filler interaction and lower compound viscosity owing to the effect of silane‐to‐silica hydrophobation which contributes to better compatibility between silica and NR. The alkoxy‐silanes with a sulfur moiety, that is TESPT and TESPD, show more pronounced improvement in overall properties as a result of filler–rubber interactions. The use of TMSMT which has no alkoxy groups but contains only a sulfur moiety elucidates that there are three reaction mechanisms involved in systems with sulfur‐alkoxy‐based silane. These are as follows: (1) the silane‐to‐silica or silanization/hydrophobation reaction; (2) the silane‐to‐rubber or coupling reaction; and (3) rubber–rubber crosslinking originating from active sulfur released by the polysulfide‐based silane TESPT. These simultaneous reactions are temperature dependent, and show an optimum level at a dump temperature of approximately 140–150°C, as depicted by filler–filler and filler–rubber interactions, as well as mechanical properties of such compounds. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:836–842, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and conductive carbon black on electrical,dielectric, and mechanical properties of epoxidized natural rubber composites

The influence of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and conductive carbon black (CCB) on cure, electrical, dielectric, and mechanical properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) composites was investigated. It was found that short MWCNTs (S‐MWCNTs) with low loading significantly affected the cure characteristics in a way similar to high loading of CCB. Moreover, the ENR/S‐MWCNTs composites exhibited high AC conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss tangent (tan δ ) compared to the ENR/CCB and ENR/L‐MWCNTs (long MWCNTs) composites. In addition, the S‐MWCNTs composites showed the lowest percolation threshold concentration, defined as the lowest loading to form conductive paths in the insulating ENR matrix. This might be attributed to the comparatively high interfacial polarization, with good dispersion and distribution, of the S‐MWCNTs in ENR matrix. These characteristics were confirmed by TEM imaging and by a high bound rubber content, corroborating strong filler–rubber interactions in the ENR/S‐MWCNTs composites. However, the L‐MWCNTs composites showed the lowest electrical and other related properties, despite the highest aspect ratio and specific surface area of this filler. This might be because of the flocculation of nanotubes by mutual entanglement, leading to a poor uneven distribution in the ENR matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1031–1042, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Characterization and thermal degradation kinetics of poly(l‐lactide) nanocomposites with carbon nanotubes

The purpose of this research was to study the thermal degradation kinetics of nanocomposites of poly(l ‐lactide) (PLLA) with carbon nanotubes (CNT) in order to provide further insight into their thermal stability. Nanocomposites were prepared by solvent casting with 1, 3, and 5% by weight of pristine CNT (P‐CNT) or functionalized CNT (F‐CNT), and were characterized using infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic‐mechanical‐thermal analysis. The kinetic parameters of thermal decomposition were determined employing Coats‐Redfern method to calculate the reaction order and E₂ function model to calculate the activation energy (Ea). We found no major changes in PLLA glass transition temperatures due to CNT presence, but melt‐crystallization temperature increased slightly in some composites. In general, composites consisting of 3% or 5% of F‐CNT had superior thermal stability than did pure polymer or P‐CNT composites. This improved thermal stability was revealed by slightly higher degradation and onset temperatures, and Ea obtained from kinetic analysis. In addition, 3% or 5% of F‐CNT in PLLA composites slightly enhanced the storage modulus above the glass transition. Therefore, functionalization promoted, in some extent, better morphology and dispersion of CNT into the matrix, which was responsible for improved thermal stability and thermomechanical performance of composites at higher temperatures relative to pure polymer. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:710–718, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis,structure and properties of carbon nanotube/poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) composite fibres

Carbon nanotube/poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) (CNT/PBO) composite fibres were prepared by in situ polymerization and dry‐jet wet spinning. The structure and properties of the CNT/PBO fibres were investigated. FTIR and viscosity measurements showed that the functional groups on the CNT surface took part in the polymerization and affected the chemical structure and molecular weight of the composite. CNT/PBO composites with high molecular weight could be obtained by controlling the amount and addition time of CNTs. Compared with PBO fibres containing no CNTs prepared under the same conditions, the thermal resistance of the CNT (2 wt%)/PBO fibres was higher and the tensile strength was also improved by 20–50%. WAXD and SEM measurements indicated that the orientation degree of the CNT (2 wt%)/PBO fibres was smaller than that of PBO fibres. The fracture surfaces of these two fibres were also different. CNT dispersion in the CNT (2 wt%)/PBO fibres was examined by TEM. A model of the interactions between CNTs and PBO is proposed, based on these results. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Influence of aminosilane‐functionalized carbon nanotubes on the rheometric,mechanical, electrical and thermal degradation properties of epoxidized natural rubber nanocomposites

We describe the preparation, characterization and physical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐filled epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) composites. To ensure better dispersion in the elastomer matrix, the MWCNTs were initially subjected to aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) treatment to bind amine functional groups (?NH₂) on the nanotube surface. Successful grafting of APS on the MWCNT surface through Si–O–C linkages was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Grafting of APS on the MWCNT surface was further corroborated using elemental analysis. ENR nanocomposites with various filler loadings were prepared by melt compounding to generate pristine and APS‐modified MWCNT‐filled elastomeric systems. Furthermore, we determined the effects of various filler loadings on the rheometric, mechanical, electrical and thermal degradation properties of the resultant composite materials. Rheometric cure characterization revealed that the torque difference increased with pristine MWCNT loading compared to the gum system, and this effect was more pronounced when silane‐functionalized MWCNTs were loaded, indicating that this effect was due to an increase in polymer–carbon nanotube interactions in the MWCNT‐loaded materials. Loading of silane‐functionalized MWCNTs in the ENR matrix resulted in a significant improvement in the mechanical, electrical and thermal degradation properties of the composite materials, when compared to gum or pristine MWCNT‐loaded materials.© 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Nanocomposites of poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐(butylene adipate)] (PBSA) and twice‐functionalized organoclay

A new method is described to prepare composites of poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐(butylene adipate)] (PBSA) with an organophilic clay having a particular functional group, namely twice‐functionalized organoclay (TFC). TFCs were produced by treating Cloisite 25A^® with (glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxy silane (GPS) or (methacryloyloxypropyl)trimethoxy silane (MPS). Reaction of the silane compound with the organoclay surface was monitored by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). PBSA composites with the three different clays were prepared successfully via melt mixing. The d spacing and the morphology of the composites were monitored by X‐ray diffraction and by transmission electron microscopy. The linear storage modulus of the composites in the melt state increased significantly as a result of incorporation of TFC. Tensile modulus and strength at break of PBSA/TFC–GPS and those of PBSA/TFC–MPS were far superior to those of PBSA/C25A. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of silane coupling agents on tribological properties of bentonite/nitrile butadiene rubber composites

In this work, effects of silane coupling agents on the tribological properties of bentonite/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) composites were investigated. The composites were fabricated with a facile method. Three silane coupling agents, (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS), bis[3‐(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide (TESPT) and [3‐(2‐aminoethylamino)propyl]triethoxysilane (AEAPTMS) were employed in our research. The short sulfur bonds formed between MPTMS and macromolecules in the matrices limited the extension of the contact interface between rubber matrices and glass plate, which contributed to the reduction in friction coefficient. With TESPT and AEAPTMS, the adhesion force of the composites was remarkably reinforced, further leading to the increase in friction coefficient. In the wear test, bentonite/silane/NBR composites showed better wear resistance compared to the specimens fabricated without silanes. By investigation on the morphological features of the worn surfaces, different wear mechanisms for composites with/without silane coupling agents were illustrated in detail. Generally, the effects of silanes to adhesion force, hysteresis loss ratio, and hardness all contributed to the friction coefficients of the composites. In wear test, the effects of the silanes on hysteresis force were prominent. Incorporated with MPTMS, the composite showed poor wear resistance due to its high hysteresis loss ratio. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2347–2357, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Fabrication and properties of carbon nanotube/styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene composites via a sequential process of (electrostatic adsorption aided dispersion)‐plus‐(melt mixing)

Carbon nanotube (CNT)/styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene (SEBS) composites were prepared via a sequential process of (electrostatic adsorption assisted dispersion)‐plus‐(melt mixing). It was found that CNTs were uniformly embedded in SEBS matrix and a low percolation threshold was achieved at the CNT concentration of 0.186 vol %. According to thermal gravimetric analysis, the temperatures of 20% and 50% weight loss were improved from 316°C and 352°C of pure SEBS to 439°C and 463°C of the 3 wt % CNT/SEBS composites, respectively. Meanwhile, the tensile strength and elastic modulus were improved by about 75% and 181.2% from 24 and 1.6 MPa of pure SEBS to 42 and 4.5 MPa of the 3 wt % CNT/SEBS composite based on the tensile tests, respectively. Importantly, this simple and low‐cost method shows the potential for the preparation of CNT/polymer composite materials with enhanced electrical, mechanical properties, and thermal stability for industrial applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40227.     

Effect of carbon nanotube purification on the electrical and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) composites with carbon nanotubes in low concentration

Surface properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were altered by purification with nitric acid, sulfuric acid, ammonium hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide. As‐received and purified CNT‐based conductive poly (ethylene terephthalate) composites were prepared with a twin‐screw extruder. The effects of CNT purification on the surface properties of the CNTs and on the morphology and electrical and mechanical properties of CNT‐based composites were investigated. Surface energy measurements showed that the acidic component of the surface energies of the CNTs increased after purification. According to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, the purification resulted in the formation of oxygen‐containing functional groups on the surfaces of the CNTs. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis results indicate the removal of the metallic catalyst residues and an increase in the oxygen content of the CNT surfaces as a result of the purification procedure. X‐ray diffraction analyses revealed a change in the crystalline structure of the CNTs after purification. All of the composites prepared with the purified CNTs had higher electrical resistivities and tensile and impact strength values than the composites based on the as‐received CNTs because of the functional groups and defect sites formed on the surfaces of the CNTs during purification. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis of glass fiber‐multiwall carbon nanotube hybrid structures for high‐performance conductive composites

The conductive polyamide 66 (PA66)/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites reinforced with glass fiber‐multiwall CNT (GF‐MWCNT) hybrids were prepared by melt mixing. Electrostactic adsorption was utilized for the deposition of MWCNTs on the surfaces of glass fibers (GFs) to construct hybrid reinforcement with high‐electrical conductivity. The fabricated PA66/CNT composites reinforced with GF‐MWCNT hybrids showed enhanced electrical conductivity and mechanical properties as compared to those of PA66/CNT or PA66/GF/CNT composites. A significant reduction in percolation threshold was found for PA66/GF‐MWCNT/CNT composite (only 0.70 vol%). The morphological investigation demonstrated that MWCNT coating on the surfaces of the GFs improved load transfer between the GFs and the matrix. The presence of MWCNTs in the matrix‐rich interfacial regions enhanced the tensile modulus of the composite by about 10% than that of PA66/GF/CNT composite at the same CNT loading, which shows a promising route to build up high‐performance conductive composites. POLYM. COMPOS. 34:1313–1320, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

In vitro toxicity evaluation of hydrogel–carbon nanotubes composites on intestinal cells

Composite materials based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and polymeric hydrogels have become the subject matter of major interest for use as carriers in drug delivery research. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of the hydrogel–carbon nanotube–chitosan (hydrogel–CNT–CH) composites on intestinal cells. Oxidized CNT were wrapped with chitosan (CH), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis suggest that oxidized CNT interact with CH. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images show a CH layer lying around CNT. Chitosan wrapped CNT were incorporated to poly (acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) hydrogels. Swelling behavior in buffers at different pH were evaluated and revealed a significantly lower swelling when it is exposed to a acid buffer solution (pH 2.2). Mechanical properties were evaluated by measurements of elasticity and the material with CNT showed better mechanical properties. The incorporation and liberation of Egg Yolk Immunoglobulin from hydrogel–CNT–CH were also assessed and it revealed an improved performance. To evaluate the effect of these nanocomposites on cellular redox balance, intestinal cells were exposed to hydrogel–CNT–CH composites and antioxidant enzymes were assessed. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were also evaluated. Hydrogel–CNT–CH composites induce no oxidative stress and there were no evidence of cytotoxicity or cell death. These preliminary findings suggest that hydrogel–CNT–CH composites show improved properties and good biocompatibility in vitro making these biomaterials promising systems for drug delivery purposes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41370.     

Effect of bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide on the crosslink structure,interfacial adhesion,and mechanical properties of natural rubber/cotton fiber composites

Bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT) was used to improve the interfacial adhesion between cotton fiber and natural rubber (NR). The crosslink density, interfacial adhesion, mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, and morphology of NR/cotton fiber composites were investigated. The composites with TESPT had higher crosslink density, better mechanical properties, higher initial modulus, and higher yield strength than the composites without TESPT because of the difference in interfacial adhesion. The results of an interfacial adhesion evaluation, the high storage modulus and low damping values of the composites with TESPT, and the coarse surfaces of the pullout fibers implied the enhancement of interfacial adhesion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Micro‐contact reconstruction of adjacent carbon nanotubes in polymer matrix through annealing‐Induced relaxation of interfacial residual stress and strain

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites were prepared by twin‐screw extrusion and micro injection molding. The electrical conductivity of micro injection molded polymer nanocomposites exhibits a low value and uneven distribution in the micromolded samples. Real‐time tracing of electrical conductivity was conducted to investigate the post thermal treatment on the electrical conductivity of microinjection molded composites. The results show that postmolding thermal treatment leads to a significant increase in the electrical conductivity by over three orders of magnitude for 5 wt % CNT‐filled TPU composites. In‐situ Transmission electron microscopy confirms the conductive CNT network does not change at the micron/sub‐micron scale during thermal treatment. TEM image analysis by a statistical method was used to determine the spatial distribution of CNT in the sample and showed that the average distance between adjacent CNT reduced slightly at the nanometer scale after postmolding thermal treatment. A new conductive mechanism is proposed to explain the enhancement of electrical conductivity after thermal treatment, i.e. micro‐contact reconstruction of adjacent CNT in the polymer matrix through annealing‐induced relaxation of interfacial residual stress and strain. Raman spectra and small angle X‐ray scattering curve of annealed samples provide supporting evidence for the proposed new conductive mechanism. The electron tunneling model was used to understand the effect of inter‐particle distance on the conductivity of polymer composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42416.     

Influence of modified natural rubber and structure of carbon black on properties of natural rubber compounds

Carbon black‐filled natural rubber composites were prepared using various types of natural rubber: unmodified natural rubber, epoxidized natural rubber with two levels of epoxy groups at 25 and 50 mol % [epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)‐25 and ENR‐50], and maleated natural rubber. Two types of carbon black (HAF and ECF) with different structure and surface area were used. The functional groups present in natural rubber and carbon black were characterized by FTIR and ¹H‐NMR. Furthermore, cure characteristics, mechanical, morphological, and electrical properties of composites and gum rubber compounds were investigated. It was found that the presence of polar functional groups in rubber molecules and the different structures of carbon black significantly affected the cure characteristics and mechanical properties. This is attributed to physical and chemical interactions between carbon black surfaces and rubber molecules. It was also found that natural rubber filled with ECF showed the highest Young's modulus and hardness, which is due to the high‐surface area and structure of the ECF causing an increase in the degree of entanglement between rubber chains and carbon black particles. Frequency dependency of the dielectric constant, loss tangent, and AC conductivity was also investigated. An increase in dielectric constant, loss tangent, and AC conductivity was observed in the ENR/ECF composites. High‐carbon black loading level caused network formation of these conductive particles, increasing the AC conductivity of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS. 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improvement of interfacial properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) composites by introducing carbon nanotube to the interphase

This article aims to improve interfacial properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) composites by means of preparing carbon nanotube (CNT)/carbon fiber hybrid fiber. XPS was used to characterize the chemical structure of unsized carbon fiber and SEM was used to observe the surface topography of carbon fibers. Specific area measurement, dynamic contact angle, and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) testing were performed to examine the effect of CNT on the interfacial properties of carbon fiber/PPEK composites. By the introduction of CNT to the interphase of carbon fiber‐reinforced PPEK composites, an enhancement of IFSS by 55.52% was achieved. Meanwhile, the interfacial fracture topography was also observed and the reinforcing mechanism was discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:26–33, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Characterization and thermal degradation of poly(d,l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) composites with nanofillers

Chemical and thermal characterization of poly(d ,l ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) composites filled with hydroxyapatite (HA) or carbon nanotubes (CNT) were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and dynamic–mechanical–thermal analysis. The morphology and distribution of the nanoparticles were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The composites were prepared by solvent casting using 30% HA or 1, 3, and 5% of pristine and functionalized CNT as nanoparticles and PLGA 75:25 and PLGA 50:50 as copolymer matrix. The Coats–Redfern and E₂ function methodologies were used to calculate the reaction order and the activation energy (E_a) of the thermal degradation process. It was found that the addition of nanoparticles increased the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the composites. Also, higher degradation temperatures and E_a values were obtained for PLGA–HA composites and compared with the neat copolymer, and the opposite behavior was exhibited by PLGA–CNT composites. The thermal and mechanical properties were highly dependent on the morphology and dispersion of the filler. The functionalization process of CNT promoted, to some extent, a better distribution and dispersion of CNT into the matrix, and these composites exhibited a slight enhancement on storage modulus. On the other hand, PLGA–HA composites showed a good dispersion but no improvement on the storage modulus below T_g. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of functional groups of carbon nanotubes on the cyclization mechanism of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)

The cyclization mechanism of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in PAN/functionalized carbon nanotube (CNT) composites was examined. The surface functionalization of CNTs was carried out by using diazonium reagents with 4-substituted aniline. The results strongly suggest that the type of functional groups on the CNTs strongly influences the cyclization mechanism of PAN during the stabilization process. The nitrile of PAN in F–Ph–CNT/PAN composite was cyclized through the free radical reaction during thermal stabilization whereas nitrile of PAN in COOH–Ph–CNT/PAN composite underwent cyclization via the ionic reaction due to the acid groups on the surfaces of the CNTs. The fluoro functional groups on the CNTs can act as effective external initiators for nitrile cyclization in homo PAN, in contrast to acid functional groups. Consequently, a lower cyclization temperature (265 °C) and enthalpy value (688 J/g) of F–Ph–CNT were shown compared to those of homo PAN.     

Rheological and thermal properties of thermoplastic natural rubbers based on poly(methyl methacrylate)/epoxidized‐natural‐rubber blends

Epoxidized natural rubbers (ENRs) with epoxide levels of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mol % were prepared. The ENRs were later blended with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with various blend formulations. The mixing torque of the blends was observed. The torque increased as the PMMA contents and epoxide molar percentage increased in the ENR molecules. Furthermore, the shear stress and shear viscosity of the polymer blends in the molten state increased as the ENR content and epoxide molar percentage increased in the ENR molecules. Chemical interactions between polar groups in the ENR and PMMA molecules might be the reason for the increases in the torque, shear stress, and viscosity. All the ENR/PMMA blends exhibited shear‐thinning behavior. This was observed as a decrease in the shear viscosity with an increase in the shear rate. The power‐law index of the blends decreased as the ENR contents and epoxide molar percentage increased in the ENR molecules. However, the consistency index (or zero shear viscosity) increased as the ENR contents and epoxide molar percentage increased. A two‐phase morphology was observed with scanning electron microscopy. The small domains of the minor components were dispersed in the major phase. For the determination of blend compatibility, two distinct glass‐transition‐temperature (T_g) peaks from the tan δ/temperature curves were found. Shifts in T_g to a higher temperature for the elastomeric phase and to a lower temperature for the PMMA phase were observed. Therefore, the ENR/PMMA blends could be described as partly miscible blends. According to the thermogravimetry results, the decomposition temperatures of the blends increased as the levels of ENR and the epoxide molar percentage increased. The chemical interactions between the different phases of the blends could be the reason for the increase. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3561–3572, 2004     

Mechanical properties of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer/poly(l‐lactic acid) blends and their composites

As the material properties of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene copolymer (ABS) have an excessively wide margin for applications in automobile console boxes, ABS partly replaced with poly(l ‐lactic acid) (PLA) may be used for the same purpose with improved ecofriendliness if the corresponding deterioration of the material properties is acceptable through the choice of appropriate additives. ABS composites with 30 wt % renewable components (PLA and cellulose pulp) were prepared by melt compounding, and the material properties were examined as a function of the additive content. The changes in the mechanical properties of the ABS/PLA blends were examined after the addition of cellulose pulp and two clays [Cloisite 25A (C25A) and sodium montmorillonite] as well as these two clays treated with bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide (TESPT). The heat distortion temperatures of the composites were measured as a function of the content of the TESPT‐treated C25A. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40329.