Detailed dynamic rheological studies of multiwall carbon nanotube-reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composite

Dynamic rheological properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes-(MWCNTs) reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composites prepared by micro twin-screw extruder with back flow channel (used for proper dispersion) are reported. Scanning electron microscopic and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic studies showed that the nanotubes were uniformly dispersed in the ABS polymer matrix. MWCNT forms a network throughout the polymer matrix and thus promotes the reinforcement. The rheological studies showed that (for 3 wt% of MWCNTs loading) the material undergoes viscous to elastic transition. At a higher MWCNTs concentration nematic gel-like phase is observed where both storage and loss modulus (G′ and G″) are nearly independent of frequency. van Gurp–Palmen plot has been used to determine the viscoelastic properties. Dynamic intersection frequency has been used to correlate the rheological properties with different wt% of MWCNTs loading in ABS. Dynamic rheological measurements revealed the viscous-like (G″ > G′) behaviour at a lower MWCNTs loading (<3 wt%) and elastic-like behaviour for higher loading (>3 wt%).