Effect of Nano-Graphene on the Rheological Properties of Nano-Composite based on Polystyrene Using SBS as Compatibilizer

In this work, the effect of nano-Graphene, as a platelet reinforcement, on the rheological properties of general-purpose polystyrene was investigated. Styrene- Butadiene- Styrene (SBS), was used as a compatibilizer and its effect on the improvement of nano-Graphene distribution was also studied. The studied concentrations were 0.01, 0.02 and 0.05 wt% for graphene nano plates and 5 and 10wt% for SBS. The samples were prepared by melt belending in a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The morphology of the samples was characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The result of XRD and TEM showed a better dispersion and distribution of nanographene for the composition having SBS. The rheological measurements showed that complex viscosity reduced in these compositions with low amount of graphene in the presence of SBS, which is a favorable phenomenon for processing point of view.

Keywords:

Polystyrene , Nano-Graphene , Nano composite , Rheology , Morphology