Multiscale organic montmorillonite‐carbon fiber reinforcement for high impact polystyrene

An approach to the development of high impact polystyrene (HIPS) based on organic montmorillonite (OMMT) and carbon fiber (CF) reinforcement was reported in this article. OMMT were used to improve the interface compatibility and toughness of CF/HIPS composites. HIPS/OMMT/CF composites were prepared by melt compounding, followed by injection molding. The composites were characterized by some techniques including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical testing. In comparison to unmodified system, the incorporation of OMMT can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the HIPS/CF composites. The optimum weight ratio of OMMT : CF : HIPS in the composite is 1/5/100. Compare with HIPS, the tensile modulus, tensile strength, bending modulus and bending strength of OMMT/CF/HIPS composite increased by 81%, 138%, 26%, and 46%, respectively. Moreover, the impact strength of OMMT/CF/HIPS composites increased by 31%, compared with CF/HIPS composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:811–816, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers