The Influence of Graphene Nanosheets Inclusion on the Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics of Acrylonitrile–Butadiene–Styrene Copolymer

Graphene nanosheets (GNS) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) were combined with various GNS inclusion quantities. The incorporation of GNS increased the flame-retardancy and thermal strength of ABS, according to TGA-DTG data, cone calorimeter results, and digital photographs of char residues. The ABS-GNS compound formed a compact and continuous charred layer. This improvement is related partly to the creation of a 3D network as a result of proper GNS spread, and partly to the carbonization of ABS deterioration products. The addition of GNS to ABS boosts the conductivity of the material significantly. The drawback is that it caused a disruption in the polymer system, resulting in a decrease in impact strength but an increase in polymer elasticity. The morphological images show that the GNS and ABS structures have a strong bond, which has improved the composites’ mechanical and electrical properties. The influence of GNS on the thermal, mechanical, electrical, and fireproofing characteristics of ABS-GNS composites have been researched. With the inclusion of 3.0 wt % GNS, the hardness, Young’s Modulus, elastic modulus, bending strength, bending modulus, storage modulus, and conductivity of the ABS-GNS composites enhanced by 1647, 21, 37, 19, 70, 43, and 900% correspondingly. Moreover, the cone calorimeter and thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermogravimetry (TGA-DTG) test results showed significant thermal strength, and flame-resistant characteristics were induced on the ABS-GNS composites. These improved characteristics are associated with the appropriate spread and close contact of GNS and ABS structure as verified by the electron microscopy outcome.