Effects of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersion and compatibilizer on the electrical and rheological properties of polycarbonate/poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene)/MWCNT composites

In this study, the effects of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersion and poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)-g-maleic anhydride (SAN-g-MAH) as a compatibilizer on the electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE), and rheological properties of polycarbonate (PC)/poly(acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene) (ABS)/MWCNT composites were investigated. The morphological results from the scanning and transmission electron microscope images showed that the droplet size of the ABS decreased when the SAN-g-MAH (5 phr) was added to the PC/ABS (80/20) blend. This result suggests that the SAN-g-MAH acts as an effective compatibilizer in the PC/ABS blend. Also, the MWCNT appeared to be located more in the ABS phase (dispersed phase) than in the PC phase (continuous phase). The interfacial tension of the ABS/MWCNT composite was lower than that of the PC–MWCNT composite, and the lower value of interfacial tension of the ABS/MWCNT composite affected the preferred location of the MWCNT in the ABS phase more than in the PC phase. The electrical conductivities and EMI SE of the PC/ABS/MWCNT composite with the compatibilizer were higher than those of the composite without compatibilizer. The complex viscosity of the PC/ABS/MWCNT composite containing the SAN-g-MAH increased with the frequency compared to that of the composite without SAN-g-MAH. This result is possibly due to the increased degree of MWCNT dispersion. The result of rheological properties is consistent with the results of the morphology, electrical conductivity, and EMI SE of the PC/ABS/MWCNT composite.