Effect of filler loading on the frictional, thermal and mechanical properties of ABS/boron nitride (h-BN) nanocomposites

The effect of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) nanoparticles in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer matrix is investigated. ABS/h-BN nanocomposites were prepared with h-BN content ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt% and their frictional, thermal and mechanical properties were evaluated. XRD analysis showed that the 'd' spacing in h-BN stacks increased in the ABS nanocomposite due to the interpenetration of ABS polymer chains. The tensile properties and thermal stability of ABS matrix showed better improvement with 0.5 wt% addition of h-BN nanoparticles. The tensile fracture mechanism in ABS/h-BN nanocomposites was predicted using tensile fracture surface analysis. Coats-Redfern approach was applied to support the thermal stability analysis results. Significant enhancement (28 %) in frictional property of ABS was observed in the nanocomposite with h-BN. Wettability and flame retardancy of the ABS/h-BN nanocomposites were also investigated. [Display omitted] •h-BN nanoparticles are proved as good reinforcing filler for ABS polymer.•0.5 wt% h-BN improved both tensile properties and thermal stability of ABS.•Aggregation of h-BN above 3 wt% negatively affect the property enhancement of matrix.•Friction reduction of 28 % were recorded in ABS/0.5 wt% h-BN nanocomposite.