Influence of compatibilizer and carbon nanotubes on mechanical, electrical, and barrier properties of PTT/ABS blends

Abstract Composites based on poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend with maleic anhydride graft PTT (PTT- g -MA) as a compatibilizer and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as reinforcers were prepared via melt-mixing, and the mechanical, electrical, and barrier properties of the as-fabricated composites were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization of the cross-section of the composites after tensile test showed improved phase stability at the presence of the compatibilizer PTT- g -MA. The toughness of the composites was also improved with the addition of the compatibilizer and CNTs. Electrical conductivity tests were carried out and the results showed that CNT-reinforced composite exhibited significantly increased conductivity. Since barrier properties are very sensitive to structural changes, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of the composites was measured and the results showed that the composites possess much high oxygen barrier compared to that of the neat PTT or ABS.