The effects of silane coupling agents on the characteristics and properties of ABS/PPO/halloysite nanocomposites
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15625/2525-2518/20666Keywords:
modified halloysite nanotubes, silane coupling agents, nanocomposite, trimethoxy(allyl)silane, trimethoxymethylpropylsilaneAbstract
This study investigates the effects of incorporating halloysite nanotubes (HNT) modified with trimethoxy(allyl)silane (TAVS) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPM) into acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene/polyphenylene oxide (ABS/PPO) polymer blends. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed successful silane grafting within HNT lumens, with grafting ratios of 3.62% (HNT-TA) and 2.15% (HNT-TM) determined via TGA. Surface modification enhanced nanofiller compatibility and dispersion within the ABS/PPO blends, as evidenced by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Mechanical characterization revealed that silane modification elevated the optimal filler loading from 5 wt% (untreated HNT) to 7.5 wt% (modified HNT), yielding the most substantial improvements in tensile and flexural strength. Furthermore, flame retardancy was markedly improved, as evaluated by UL-94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI) testing. This enhancement is attributed to the formation of a dense protective char layer and 3D tube-network effects that restrict heat and volatile gas diffusion, complemented by gas-phase radical scavenging driven by intrinsic iron oxides. Overall, silane-functionalized HNTs demonstrate significant potential for tailoring high-performance ABS/PPO nanocomposites for advanced engineering applications.
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