Effect of Graphite Content on The Mechanical Properties of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS)

Composites based on graphite-reinforced acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer matrix are prepared in compositions of 1 and 2 wt% of graphite and the mechanical properties are compared to the neat ABS. The specimens are prepared by melt mechanical mixing through an intensive homogenizer/mixer followed by the hydropneumatic press. The materials are characterized by Charpy impact strength, Shore D hardness, and optical microscopy. Results shows that the ABS impact strength decreased (reduction of 33% with only 1 wt% of graphite) with the increase of the graphite content in the compositions, the addition of highly rigid graphite in the ABS matrix altered the tenacity mechanism. In addition, there was a 12% increase in the hardness of the composites in relation to the neat ABS. Microscopic analysis shows the presence of small graphite particles well distributed in the polymer matrix.