DEVELOPMENT DESIRED PROPERTIES OF POLYSTYRENE NANO COMPOSITES BY ADDING POLYMERIC MODIFIERS

Abstract

The introduction of polymeric blend-based nanomaterials has encouraged the development
of flexible nanocomposites for structural applications in need of superior mechanical,
performance. In current research, three groups of polystyrene blend-based nanocomposites
samples were fabricated by melting technique using a twin-screw extruder. These samples
consist of polymer blend (polystyrene (PS): 1% copolymer (polystyrene (PS)-co- maleic
anhydride (MA)): 3%ABS) as a matrix material, was strengthen by three different type of
powders in nanometer size (silica (SiO2), cement kiln dust (CKD) and Fly ash (FA))
individually, with selected weight ratio (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 & 0.8 wt. %) for each of them.
Experimental investigation was carried out for tensile properties and fatigue strength besides
FTIR test and morphology analyzing of fracture surfaces by SEM. The results showed that
tensile strength values and modulus of elasticity increased as the nanoparticle content in
composite increased, but according to specific percentages of nanoparticle content in the
composites samples, for three groups of the prepared nanocomposites samples. Moreover,
the fatigue test revealed the super-improvement in the fatigue properties of the selected
hybrid nanocomposites samples, as compared with neat polystyrene and polymer blend (PS:
1% (PS-co-MA): 3% ABS) and fatigue limit was apparent for all types of hybrid
nanocomposites materials produced in this work. Morphology of the fracture surface was
showed a homogeneous structure formation for optimal samples of each group of
composites, indicating a good compatibility between the component materials of polymer
blend and the reinforcement nanoparticles.