Compatibilization level effects on the structure and mechanical properties of rubber‐modified polyamide‐6/clay nanocomposites

Exfoliated polyamide‐6 (PA6)/organically modified montmorillonite clay (OMMT) nanocomposites (PNs) were modified with partially maleinized styrene–ethylene/butadiene–styrene triblock copolymers (SEBS) at three maleinization levels in an attempt to link in these materials high toughness with appropriate small‐strain and fracture tensile properties. OMMT stayed only in the PA6 matrix, and no preferential location in the matrix/rubber interphase was observed. The increased dispersed phase size upon the addition of OMMT was attributed to interactions between maleic anhydride (MA) functionalized SEBS and the surfactant of OMMT. The rubber particle size generally decreased when the MA content of SEBS increased, and this indicated compatibilization. The subsequent good adhesion led to tough nanocomposites across a wide range of both strain rates and fracture modes. As the critical interparticle distance (τ_c) decreased with the MA content, and the other parameters that could influence the surface‐to‐surface mean interparticle distance did not change, it is proposed that in these PNs higher adhesion leads to a smaller τ_c value. Finally, the presence in the matrix of a nanostructured clay makes the rubber content necessary for the toughness jump to increase and τ_c to decrease. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3611–3620, 2005     

Co‐continuous Polyamide 6 (PA6)/Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene (ABS) Nanocomposites

Summary: Polyamide 6 (PA6)/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) (40/60 w/w) nanocomposites with a novel morphology were prepared by the melt mixing of PA6, ABS and organoclay. The blend nanocomposites had a co‐continuous structure, in which both PA6 and styrene‐acrylonitrile (SAN) were continuous phases. It was found that the toughening rubber particles were only located in the SAN phase and the strengthening clay platelets were selectively dispersed in the PA6 phase. The co‐continuous nanocomposites showed greatly improved mechanical properties over the whole temperature range when compared with the same blend sample without clay.

Schematic diagram for the co‐continuous ABS/PA6 blend nanocomposite.     

Effect of maleic anhydride-grafted ethylene-propylene rubber on the mechanical, rheological and morphological properties of organoclay reinforced polyamide 6/polypropylene nanocomposites

Polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP = 70/30 parts) blends containing 4 phr (parts per hundred resin) of organophilic modified montmorillonite (organoclay) were compatibilized with maleic anhydride-grafted ethylene-propylene rubber (EPRgMA). The blends were melt compounded in twin screw extruder followed by injection molding. The mechanical properties of PA6/PP nanocomposites were studied by tensile and flexural tests. The microstructure of the nanocomposite were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The dynamic mechanical properties of the PA6/PP blend-based nanocomposites were analyzed by using a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMTA). The rheological properties were conducted from plate/plate rheometry via dynamic frequency sweep scans. The melt viscosity in a high shear rate region was performed by using a capillary rheometer. The strength and stiffness of the PA6/PP-based nanocomposites were improved significantly with the incorporation of EPRgMA. Adding EPRgMA to the PA6/PP blends resulted in a finer dispersion of the PP phase. TEM and XRD results revealed that the organoclay was dispersed more homogeneously in the presence of EPRgMA, however, mostly in the PA6 phase of the blends. DMTA results showed that EPRgMA worked as an effective compatibilizer. The storage (G′) and loss moduli (G″) assessed by plate/plate rheometry of PA6/PP blends increased with the incorporation of EPRgMA and organoclay. Furthermore, the apparent shear viscosity of the PA6/PP blend increased significantly for the EPRgMA compatibilized PA6/PP/organoclay nanocomposite. This was traced to the formation of an interphase between PA6 and PP (via PA6-g-EPR) and effective intercalation/exfoliation of the organoclay.     

Influence concentration of modifying agent on properties of natural rubber/organoclay nanocomposites

Sodium-montmorillonite (Na-MMT) nanoclay was modified with different concentrations of octadecylamine organic modifying agent at 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 times the CEC of Na-MMT. Influence of concentration of modifying agent on properties of the organoclays and natural rubber/organoclay nanocomposites was investigated. It was found that the optimum concentration of modifying agent was 1.5 times the CEC of Na-MMT. That is, at this concentration, larger d-spacing of organoclay particles and higher degree of clay dispersion in natural rubber matrix were observed. Larger interlayer d-spacing also caused enhancement of the mechanical properties of the NR/organoclay nanocomposites. Additionally, the NR/organoclay nanocomposites with higher concentration of modifying agent exhibited faster curing reaction with higher crosslink density. Furthermore, the organoclays with larger d-spacing and higher degree of dispersion in the natural rubber matrix exhibited enhancement of the mechanical and dynamic properties and thermal stability of natural rubber/organoclay nanocomposites.     

Structure/Property Relationships for Polyamide 6 / Organoclay Nanocomposites in the Melt and in the Solid State

Commercial nanocomposites of polyamide 6 prepared by melt compounding with organoclays were characterized by complex viscosities and relaxation time spectra derived from storage and loss shear moduli measured in the melt state at 230°C, and by wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry and stretching calorimetry in the solid state. In the melt state, the decrease of ∼ 25 % (compared to the pristine sample) in Newtonian viscosity at the lowest clay loading (2.5 %) suggested a lower equilibrium elasticity modulus of an entangled melt, as the small amounts of organoclay nanoparticles acted as specific “diluents” for the initial entanglement network. However, by increasing the clay loading this effect disappeared due to the importance of strong interactions at the nanoparticle/melt interface, leading to the formation of a fairly thick boundary interphase (BI) around the nanoparticles and ending up in the build-up of an “infinite cluster” of clay nanoparticles coated with BI at the highest (albeit still unusually low) clay loading (7.5 %). In the solid state, organoclay nanoparticles proved to induce the crystallographic α → γ transformation of PA6 , while the matrix crystallinity in nanocomposites remained essentially unchanged. In the range of elastic (reversible) behavior below the apparent yield strains ϵ* , the highest Young's moduli E and the lowest linear thermal expansion coefficients α_L were observed for dried nanocomposites, while the lowest E and the highest α_L corresponded to the moisturized, pristine PA6. The endothermal process of shape distortion of the lamellar crystals was assumed to precede the onset of the exothermal process of lamellar fragmentation in the range of inelastic (irreversible) behaviour of PA6 above ϵ* . The energy balance of the inelastic behaviour of nanocomposites was dominated by the endothermal process of lamellar shape distortion.     

Thermal properties of single walled carbon nanotubes composites of polyamide 6/poly(methyl methacrylate) blend system

The nanocomposites of polyamide 6 (PA6)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/non-functionalized and functionalized [carboxylic acid (COOH) and hydroxyl (OH)] single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were prepared in mass ratios of 79.5/19.5/1, 49.5/49.5/1, and 19.5/79.5/1 by melt–mixing method at 230 °C. The PA6/PMMA blends with mass ratios of 80/20, 50/50, and 20/80 served as references. The Fourier transform infrared analyses of nanocomposites showed the formation of hydrogen bond interactions among PA6, PMMA, and OH and COOH functional groups of SWCNTs. The nanocomposites and blends had higher thermal stability with respect to the PMMA. The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) curves showed that the nanocomposites and blends exhibited two T _g values at around 51 and 126 °C for PA6 and PMMA, respectively. About 20 °C early crystallization was observed in nanocomposites compared to the blends. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results suggested that among all the compositions of blends and nanocomposites, storage modulus (E′) was higher for PMMA-rich blends and nanocomposites. At 25 °C, the E′ values were higher for blends and nanocomposites compared to the neat PA6. The tan δ curves indicated that the more heterogeneity of the hybrid nature resulted in PA6/PMMA/SWCNTs-OH or SWCNTs-COOH with 79.5/19.5/1 mass ratio nanocomposites compared to the PA6/PMMA with 80/20 mass ratio blend. The higher T _g values of PA6 and PMMA were observed in DMA studies compared to the DSC studies for PA6 and PMMA as neat and in blends and nanocomposites. The significant improvements in crystallization of nanocomposites were considered resulting from achieving better compatibility among the polymer components and carbon nanotubes.     

Characterization of HDPE /Polyamide 6/ Nanocomposites Using Scanning-and Transmission Electron Microscopy

Summary: Preparation and morphology of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/ polyamide 6 (PA 6)/modified clay nanocomposites were studied. The ability of PA 6 in dispersing clays was used to prepare modified delaminated clays, which were then mixed with HDPE. Mixing was performed using melt processing in a torque rheometer equipped with roller rotors. After etching the materials with boiling toluene and formic acid at room temperature, the morphology was examined by SEM analyses, showing that the PA 6 formed the continuous phase and HDPE the dispersed phase. X-ray diffraction patterns show that the (001) peak of the clay is dramatically decreased and shifted to lower angles, indicating that intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites are obtained. TEM analyses confirmed the typical structure of exfoliated nanocomposites. A scheme for the mechanism of exfoliation and/or intercalation of these HDPE /PA 6/ /organoclay nanocomposites is proposed.     

Influence of SEBS-g-MA on morphology, mechanical, and thermal properties of PA6/PP/organoclay nanocomposites

Polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP = 70/30 parts) blends containing 4 phr (parts per hundred resin) of organically modified clay (organoclay) toughened with maleated styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS-g-MA) were prepared by melt compounding using co-rotating twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to characterize the structure of the nanocomposites. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were determined by tensile, flexural, and notched Izod impact tests. The single edge notch three point bending test was used to evaluate the fracture toughness of SEBS-g-MA toughened PA6/PP nanocomposites. Thermal properties were studied by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). XRD and TEM results indicated the formation of the exfoliated structure for the PA6/PP/organoclay nanocomposites with and without SEBS-g-MA. With the exception of stiffness and strength, the addition of SEBS-g-MA into the PA6/PP/organoclay nanocomposites increased ductility, impact strength and fracture toughness. The elongation at break and fracture toughness of PA6/PP blends and nanocomposites were increased with increasing the testing speed, whereas tensile strength was decreased. The increase in ductility and fracture toughness at high testing speed could be attributed to the thermal blunting mechanism in front of crack tip. DSC results revealed that the presence of SEBS-g-MA had negligible effect on the melting and crystallization behavior of the PA6/PP/organoclay nanocomposites. TGA results showed that the incorporation of SEBS-g-MA increased the thermal stability of the nanocomposite.     

Structure,thermal conductivity,and thermal stability of bromobutyl rubber nanocomposites with ionic liquid modified graphene oxide

In this report, we demonstrate that both the thermal stability and the thermal conductivity of bromobutyl rubber (BIIR) nanocomposites could be improved by incorporating the ionic liquids (ILs) modified graphene oxide (GO-ILs) using a solution compounding method. The structure, thermal stability and thermal conductivity of this newly modified BIIR nanocomposites were systematically analyzed and studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of GO-ILs showed that ILs had been effectively intercalated into the interlayer of GO, which was found to be able to raise the exfoliation degree of GO. The increased exfoliation degree facilitated a good dispersion of GO-ILs in the BIIR matrix, as revealed by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. The glass transition temperatures (T_g) of the GO-ILs/BIIR nanocomposites were also raised by the addition of GO-ILs, which indicates the strong interfacial adhesion between GO-ILs and the rubber. Most importantly, the incorporation of GO-ILs in the BIIR matrix could effectively improve the thermal stability of the rubber nanocomposites according to our thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The activation energy (E_a) of thermal decomposition of GO-ILs/BIIR nanocomposites increases with the addition of GO-ILs. Besides, the thermal conductivity of GO-ILs/BIIR nanocomposite with 4 wt% of GO-ILs had 1.3-fold improvement compared to that of unfilled BIIR.     

Preparation of Isotactic Polypropylene/Organoclay Nanocomposites by Solution Mixing Methodology: Structure and Properties Relationships

Isotactic Polypropylene (iPP) based nanocomposites filled with organo-clay nanoparticles were prepared and the relationships between their structure and properties were investigated. Modified C₁₆-C₁₈ smectite clay nanoparticles were used in order to promote matrix/filler compatibilization and to improve interfacial adhesion. X-Ray analysis performed on the nanocomposites demonstrated that at low organo-clay content (1 and 3% by weight) a nanostructure has been obtained, while in presence of 5% by weight of organoclay cluster regions have been formed. Mechanical tests showed that the elastic modulus increases of about 20% compared to the neat polymeric matrix value when 1 and 3% of nanofiller is added.     

Morphology and rheology of polystyrene nanocomposites based upon organoclay

A correlation between morphology development and rheology of polystyrene nanocomposites based upon organophilic layered silicates (organoclay) such as fluoromicas was found as a function of the silicate modification. Organoclay was obtained by means of ion exchange of clay with protonated amine‐terminated polystyrenes with molar mass of M_n = 121 and 5 800 g/mol. Only when applying shear forces during melt compounding of organoclay modified with high molar mass polystyrene (PS), individual silicate platelets of 1 nm diameter and 600 nm length were obtained. Dispersions of such in‐situ formed nanoparticles with aspect ratio of 600 accounted for unique elastic properties observed in the low frequency range of the dynamic modulus, whereas organoclay modified with low molecular PS did not exfoliate and exhibited rheological behavior very similar to that of conventional fillers.     

Effect of halloysite nanotube on microstructure,rheological and mechanical properties of dynamically vulcanized PA6/NBR thermoplastic vulcanizates

Dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) nanocomposites based on polyamide-6 (PA6) and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) reinforced by halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were prepared via a direct melt mixing process. The effects of HNT on the physical, mechanical, and rheological properties of nanocomposites were investigated. The prepared PA6/NBR/HNT nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning colorimeter (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and rheological measurements. The morphology study of prepared nanocomposites shows that the introduction of HNT into the PA6 phase causes a decrease in the size of NBR droplets. The mechanical measurements revealed that Young’s modulus of TPV nanocomposites increased with the HNT loading up to 54%. DMTA results show that the introduction of 10 wt% of HNT into the PA6/NBR TPV leads to a 30% increase in storage modulus. The rheological measurements revealed that the storage modulus of nanocomposites has an increase of more than 200% in the presence of 7 wt% of HNT loading. Analytical stiffness modeling of Young’s modulus of the TPV nanocomposites was investigated using Hui–Shia and Wu models. Both models have some deviations from experimental results and been modified to predict Young’s modulus of the nanocomposites containing HNT with more precisions. The viscosity behavior of TPV nanocomposites was studied using a Carruea–Yasuda model and showed that the yield stress of nanocomposites increases with higher HNT loadings, indicating the formation of a nanotube network along with NBR phase network.     

The tensile properties of HNO3‐treated carbon fiber reinforced ABS/PA6 composites

In this study, acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS) terpolymer was reinforced with HNO₃‐treated short carbon fibers (SCFs) [(hollow carbon fibers (HCFs)]. The effects of HCF concentration on the tensile properties of the composites were examined. Increasing the HCF concentration in the ABS matrix from 10 to 30 wt% resulted in improved tensile strength and tensile modulus. To obtain a strong interaction at the interface, polyamide 6 (PA6) at varying concentrations was introduced into the ABS/10 wt% SCF composite. The incorporation and increasing amount of PA6 in the composites increased tensile properties of the ABS/PA6/HCF systems due to the improved adhesion at the interface, which was confirmed by the ratio of tensile strength as an adhesion parameter. These results were also supported by scanning electron micrographs of the ABS/PA6/HCF composites, which exhibited an improved adhesion between the SCFs and the ABS/PA6 matrix. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Maleic Anhydride Polyethylene Octene Elastomer Toughened Polyamide 6/Polypropylene Nanocomposites: Mechanical and Morphological Properties

A series of polyamide 6/polypropylene (PA6/PP) blends and nanocomposites containing 4 wt% of organophilic modified montmorillonite (MMT) were designed and prepared by melt compounding followed by injection molding. Maleic anhydride polyethylene octene elastomer (POEgMAH) was used as impact modifier as well as compatibilizer in the blend system. Three weight ratios of PA6/PP blends were prepared i.e. 80:20, 70:30, and 60:40. The mechanical properties of PA6/PP blends and nanocomposite were studied through flexural and impact properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the microstructure. The incorporation of 10 wt% POEgMAH into PA6/PP blends significantly increased the toughness with a corresponding reduction in strength and stiffness. However, on further addition of 4 wt% organoclay, the strength and modulus increased but with a sacrifice in impact strength. It was also found that the mechanical properties are a function of blend ratio with 70:30 PA6/PP having the highest impact strength, both for blends and nanocomposites. The morphological study revealed that within the blend ratio studied, the higher the PA6 content, the finer were the POEgMAH particles.     

Characterization of kaolinite/emulsion-polymerization styrene butadiene rubber (ESBR) nanocomposite prepared by latex blending method: Dynamic mechanic properties and mechanism

The latex blending method was chosen to prepare Kaolinite/emulsion-polymerization styrene butadiene rubber (ESBR) nanocomposite to improve the interaction between filler particles and rubber matrix chains. The influences of kaolinite particles size, filler contents, and flocculants types on dynamic mechanical properties and the relative reinforcement mechanism of the prepared composite were systematic investigated and proposed. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the kaolinite particles were finely dispersed into the rubber matrix and arranged in parallel orientation. The prepared nanocomposites by latex blending exhibited improved crosslinking characteristic and dynamic mechanical parameters. The KAl (SO₄)₂ flocculant presented obvious modification in dynamic properties and crosslinking characteristic. Both the decrease in kaolinite particle size and the increase in kaolinite content can greatly improve the storage modulus and reinforcing effect of kaolinite/ESBR nanocomposites. The dynamic reinforcement mechanism of kaolinite can be explained by filler network including a certain thickness of rubber shell on the surface of kaolinite lamellar structure and the aggregations network between kaolinite particles The optimum way to balance the dynamic properties of rubber nanocomposites at different temperatures is to reduce the surface difference between kaolinite and rubber matrix and the degree of filler-filler networking on the basis of kaolinite with nanoscale (nanometer effect).     

Studies on crystal transition of polyamide 11 nanocomposites by variable-temperature X-ray diffraction

Polyamide I1 （PAll） and its nanocomposites with different organoclay loadings were prepared by melt-compounding and subsequent pelletizing. The crystal phase transitions of PAl 1 and its clay nanocomposites were investigated by variable-temperature X-ray diffraction. It was found that the Brill transition of the nanocomposite was 20 K higher than that of the neat PAl 1 for both heating and cooling processes. The PAl 1 d-spacings of the nanocomposites were observed to be smaller than those of the neat PAl 1 for melt crystallization. The constraints imposed by the addition of layered clay, restricting the thermal expansion of the polymer chains, are probably responsible for such a reduction of the d-spacing.     

Structure and properties of an hybrid system based on bisphenol A polycarbonate modified by A polyamide 6/organoclay nanocomposite

Blends of poly(carbonate of bisphenol A) (PC) with minute amounts of a nanocomposite based in polyamide 6 (PA6) with a layered organoclay (nPA6) were obtained upon melt mixing by varying the contents of both nPA6 and organoclay. The ternary nanocomposites (NC) were composed of a PC-rich matrix with some mixed PA6 present, and by a neat nPA6 dispersed phase. Upon dissolution of the matrix of the NC’s, the dispersed phase showed a highly fibrillar morphology that resembled that of thermoplastic/liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) blends. The cryogenically fractured surfaces observed by SEM showed a very fine particle size that was attributed to the presence of PA6 in the matrix and indicated a low interfacial tension. The Young’s modulus behaviour is proposed to be a consequence of the slight orientation of the PC-rich matrix and the highly fibrillated and oriented nPA6 dispersed phase. The important reinforcement effect of the dispersed phase is attributed to the additive effects of its large degree of orientation, and the reinforcing effect of the organoclay.     

Effect of polyaniline as a surface modifier of TiO2 nanoparticles on the properties of polyvinyl chloride/TiO2 nanocomposites

Surface of TiO2 nanoparticles was modified with the in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline. Polyaniline modified TiO2 nanoparticles (PANI-TiO2 ) were characterized with the FT-IR, XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. Results confirmed that PANI was grafted successfully on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles, therefore agglomeration of nanoparticles decreased dramatically. Polyvinyl chloride nanocomposites filled with 1 wt% 5 wt% of PANI-TiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared via the solution blending method. PVC nanocomposites were analyzed with FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TG/DTA, DSC and tensile test techniques. Effect of PANI as surface modifier of nanoparticles was discussed according to the final properties of PVC nanocomposites. Results demonstrated that deposition of PANI on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles improved the interfacial adhesion between the constituents of nanocomposites, which resulted in better dispersion of nanoparticles in the PVC matrix. Also PVC/PANI-TiO2 nanocomposites showed higher thermal resistance, tensile strength and Young’s modulus compared to those of unfilled PVC and PVC/TiO2 nanocomposites.     

Nanocomposites by melt intercalation based on polycaprolactone and organoclay

Nanocomposites based on biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) and organically modified layered silicates (organoclay) were prepared by melt mixing. Their structures and properties were characterized by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and rheological measurements. The exfoliation of the organoclay was achieved via a melt mixing process in an internal mixer and showed a dependence on the type of organic modifier, the organoclay contents, and the processing temperature. The addition of the organoclay to PCL increased the crystallization temperature of PCL, but a high content of the organoclay could show an inverse effect. The PCL/organoclay nanocomposites showed a significant enhancement in their mechanical properties and thermal stability due to the exfoliation of the organoclay. The nanocomposites showed a much higher complex viscosity than the neat PCL and significant shear‐thinning behavior in the low frequency range. The shear storage modulus and loss modulus of the nanocomposites also exhibited less frequency dependence than the pure PCL in the low frequency range, and this was caused by the strong interactions between the organoclay layers and PCL molecules and by the good dispersion of exfoliated organoclay platelets in the PCL. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 670–678, 2003     

Studies of ABS-graft-maleic anhydride/clay nanocomposites: Morphologies, thermal stability and flammability properties

ABS-g-MAH (maleic anhydride) with different grafting degree, ABS/OMT (organo montmorillonite) and ABS-g-MAH/OMT nanocomposites were prepared via melt blending. The grafting reaction, phase morphology, clay dispersion, thermal properties, dynamic mechanical properties and flammability properties were investigated. FTIR spectra results indicate that maleic anhydride was successfully grafted onto butadiene chains of the ABS backbone in the molten state using dicumyl peroxide as the initiator and styrene as the comonomer and the relative grafting degree increased with increasing loading of MAH. TEM images show the size of the dispersed rubber domains of ABS-g-MAH increased and the dispersion is more uniform than that of neat ABS resin. XRD and TEM results show that intercalated/exfoliated structure formed in ABS-g-MAH/OMT nanocomposites and the rubber phase intercalated into clay layers distributed in both SAN phase and rubber phase. TGA results reveal the intercalated/exfoliated structure of ABS-g-MAH/OMT nanocomposites has better barrier properties and thermal stability than intercalated ones of ABS/OMT nanocomposites. The T_g of ABS-g-MAH/OMT nanocomposites was also higher than that of neat ABS/OMT nanocomposites. The results of cone measurements show that ABS-g-MAH/OMT nanocomposites exhibit significantly reduced flammability when compared to ABS/OMT nanocomposites even at the same clay content. The chars of ABS-g-MAH/OMT nanocomposites were tighter, denser, more integrated and fewer surface microcracks than ABS/OMT residues.