Mechanical and fire properties of styrenic polymer nanocomposites based on an oligomerically-modified clay

Abstract

Styrenic polymer clay nanocomposites were made through melt blending the polymer with an oligomerically-modified clay. Polymers used in this study are polystyrene (PS), high-impact polystyrene (HIPS), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the structure of the nanocomposites. Intercalated nanocomposites were formed for PS and HIPS by this method while delaminated nanocomposites were formed for SAN and ABS. The thermal stability and fire properties were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry, respectively. Nanocomposite formation has a small effect on the thermal stability while the reduction in peak heat release rate is comparable with other nanocomposites. Tensile testing showed that the nanocomposites had enhanced Young's modulus, which means the plasticizing effect from the oligomer was suppressed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.