Optimization Mechanical properties of PC/ABS Blends Using Taguchi Method of Experimental Design

In this study, a polycarbonate (PC)/ poly (Acrylonitrile- Butadiene- Styrene) (ABS) alloy modified with styrene-ethylene-butylene- styrene (SEBS) block copolymer was prepared and the influence of SEBS content, PC content, and process condition on Charpy notched impact strength and tensile properties was studied. Taguchi method of experimental design was used to determine optimum processing condition, SEBS and PC content. Initially, SEBS prepared at three different levels of 0, 4 and 8 wt. %and was added to total amount of ABS. Then, PC was blended with ABS at the ratio of 65/35, 70/30, and 75/25 using a co-rotating twin screw extruder. The results showed that the addition of SEBS could obviously increase the Charpy notched impact strength, the elongation at break and fracture energy whereas keep other mechanical property such as modulus. Speed and feeding rate are effective processing parameters which were studied in this research work. The optimum screw speed and feeding rate may be obtained at maximum and medium levels of these parameters, respectively

Keywords:

PC/ABS alloy , SEBS copolymer , Taguchi method , Charpy notched impact strength