Enhancing Mechanical Properties of PC/ABS Compound through Compatibilizers and Investigation of Morphology and Flammability of the Improved Compound: A Comprehensive Study

This work investigates the effect of four different compatibilizers on the mechanical and thermal properties (impact, tensile strength, elongation, flexural modulus, and heat deflection temperature) of polycarbonate (PC)/acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) blends. The compatibilizers studied were styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) grafted (g) with maleic anhydride (MAH), polystyrene (PS)-g-MAH, ABS-g-MAH, and ethylene -vinyl acetate (EVA)-gMAH. The compatibility of the improved sample was also studied using scanning electron microscope images. In addition, the flammability of the improved sample with 8 % decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) as a flame-retardant (FR) additive was measured by limiting oxidation index and UL 94. The blends with a 70/30 ratio of PC/ABS and varying percentages of compatibilizers (1, 3, and 6 %) were prepared using a twin-screw extruder, and samples for mechanical tests were produced by injection molding. The mechanical properties indicated that PS-g-MAH was better than other compatibilizers. Compared with pure PC and ABS, the PC30P3-FR blend was an economical and versatile compound with potential applications in the electrical and electronic industries.