Nanocomposites of ABS and sepiolite: Study of different clay modification processes

Melt compounding of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) matrix and nanocomposites have been studied in order to evaluate the optimal modification process for sepiolite. Different screw speeds were tested to elucidate possible degradations related to a high shear effect, and thermal stability of pristine and modified sepiolite was carried out. Both processes of modification, via quaternary ammonium salts and silane coupling agents, have been compared by means of morphological, thermal and mechanical experiments, working out that ammonium salt modified sepiolite provided the best results in the final properties.