Mechanical and flammability characteristics of PC/ABS composites loaded with flyash cenospheres and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

PC/ABS nanocomposites have been developed using a mixture of acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNT) and aminoproply triethoxysilane‐treated cenospheres. The mechanical and flammability characteristics have been determined as per ASTM standards. The addition of a small quantity (∼1%) of MWCNT further enhanced the compressive strength by 70% while the compressive modulus doubled. The use of macrofiller in combination with the nanofillers led to synergism as observed by reduction of mean heat release rates for these composites. The formation of char residues and a uniform char layer has also been observed by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. Both fillers were surface treated which in turn led to improved interfacial adhesion as analyzed by micromechanical models. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1043–1052, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers