Effect of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNT) on the Properties of High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS)

The composites of HIPS/MWNT were prepared by melt blending. The effects of the content of MWNT on the flow, mechanical, and flame retardancy properties of the composites were investigated. The morphologies of fracture surfaces were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). And the thermal stability of the composites was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the flow properties, the impact strength, the elongation at break, and the flame retardancy are improved with the proper addition of MWNT. The morphological behavior indicates the fracture surface of HIPS/MWNT is more roughness than that of HIPS. The addition of MWNT has little influence on the thermal stability of HIPS.