The effects of silane coupling agents on the characteristics and properties of ABS/PPO/halloysite nanocomposites

Mai Duc Huynh, Tran Huu Trung, Do Van Cong, Nguyen Thi Thai, Nguyen Huu Dat, Bui Duc Long, Le Anh Tu, Van Viet Thien An, Dam Xuan Thang, Nguyen Vu Giang
Author affiliations

Authors

  • Mai Duc Huynh \(^1\) Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4724-2651
  • Tran Huu Trung \(^1\) Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6092-5756
  • Do Van Cong \(^1\) Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0024-1424
  • Nguyen Thi Thai \(^1\) Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
  • Nguyen Huu Dat \(^1\) Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
  • Bui Duc Long \(^1\) Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
  • Le Anh Tu \(^2\) Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, 55 Giai Phong, Bach Mai Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
  • Van Viet Thien An \(^2\) Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, 55 Giai Phong, Bach Mai Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
  • Dam Xuan Thang \(^3\) Faculty of Chemical Technology, Hanoi University of Industry, Tay Tuu Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
  • Nguyen Vu Giang \(^1\) Institute of Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST), 18 Hoang Quoc Viet, Nghia Do Ward, Ha Noi, Viet Nam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15625/2525-2518/20666

Keywords:

modified halloysite nanotubes, silane coupling agents, nanocomposite, trimethoxy(allyl)silane, trimethoxymethylpropylsilane

Abstract

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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Published

17-08-2026

How to Cite

Huynh, M. D., Trung, T. H., Cong, D. V., Thai, N. T., Dat, N. H., Long, B. D., … Giang, N. V. (2026). The effects of silane coupling agents on the characteristics and properties of ABS/PPO/halloysite nanocomposites. Vietnam Journal of Science and Technology, 64(4), 698–711. https://doi.org/10.15625/2525-2518/20666

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Materials