Styrene–butadiene–styrene copolymer compatibilized carbon black/polypropylene/polystyrene composites with tunable morphology, electrical conduction and rheological stabilities

Abstract

We report a facile kinetic strategy in combination with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer compatibilizers for preparing carbon black (CB) filled immiscible polypropylene (PP)/polystyrene (PS) (1/1) blends with finely tuned morphologies and show the important role of location and migration of CB nanoparticles in determining the electrical conductivity and rheological behaviour of the composites. A novel method of mixing a SBS/CB (5/3) masterbatch with the polymers allowed producing composites with CB aggregates dispersed partially in the unfavorable PP phase and partially in the PP side of the interface to exhibit diverse phase connectivity and electrical conductivity depending on the compounding sequences. A cocontinuous morphology with CB enrichment along the interface was formed in the composite prepared by mixing the SBS/CB masterbatch with the premixed PP/PS blend, giving rise to a highest electrical conductivity and dynamic moduli at low frequencies. On the other hand, mixing the masterbatch with one and then with another polymer yielded droplet (PS)-in-matrix (filled PP) composites. The composites underwent phase coalescence and CB redistribution accompanied by marked dynamic electrical conduction and modulus percolations as a function of time during thermal annealing at 180 °C. The composites with the initial droplet-in-matrix morphology progressed anomalously into the cocontinuous morphology, reflecting a common mechanism being fairly nonspecific for understanding the processing of filled multicomponent composites with tailored performances of general concern.

Functionalized graphene sheets filled isotactic polypropylene nanocomposites

“…It has been found that significant variations of mechanical, thermal, electrical and barrier property occurred even if incorporated nanofillers at a very low loadings [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. Graphene is regarded as the strongest material to date by theoretical and experimental results and chemically the most reactive form of carbon due to the lateral availability of carbon atoms [9].…”

Preparation and Characterization of Highly Bio‐Based Epoxy Amine Thermosets Derived from Lignocellulosics

“…[3] BPA finds use in a myriad of products from adhesives, flame retardants, and electronics insulation to optical lenses, paper coatings, containers for food and beverages, and hybrid materials such as carbon and glass fiber composites. [9,16,17] Even once polymerized, BPA-containing polymers exhibit residual BPA-based monomer content that can leach into contacting fluids or be absorbed through contacting biological material, such as skin. [9] Despite their deleterious effects and source sustainability issues, polymer resins containing BPA are easily processed and afford excellent high-performance properties (glass transition temperatures (T g 's) between 70 and 250 °C, modulus at 25 °C between 2 and 4 GPa, flexural strength greater than 100 MPa, and fracture energy greater than 100 J m −2 ) stemming from the high degree of molecular rigidity imparted by the aromatic rings and relatively bulky isopropylene bridge.…”

Styrene‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer compatibilized interfacial modified multiwalled carbon nanotubes with mechanical and piezoresistive properties

“…There have been many studies engaged to expand the application fields of SBS, such as getting SBS modified with different functional groups or incorporating various fillers into SBS matrix . Among them it is practical to design carbon black as fillers to improve the mechanical property and impart it with some functionalities, such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and permeability resistance . Nevertheless, too much carbon black impedes the microphase separation of SBS and strongly deteriorates the mechanical properties of the resulting composite .…”