Preparation and characterization of ABS/anhydrous cobalt chloride composites

Anhydrous cobalt chloride (CoCl2) particles filled acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) composites were successfully prepared and investigated. A strong interfacial interaction between CoCl2 particles and ABS matrix was generated by heat pressing at 190 degrees C for 15 min. SEM results demonstrated that the particles were dispersed uniformly in the matrix. Fourier transform infrared, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron spin resonance were used for the investigation of the coordination reaction. The interfacial interaction resulted from a solid-state coordination reaction between nitrile groups (-CN) and cobalt ions (Co2+), leading to an increase in mechanical properties and glass transition temperature. Moreover, heat deflection temperatures were measured and proved to achieve an improvement of 30.6 degrees C when the CoCl2 content was 7 wt%.