Preparation and characterization of extruded nanocomposite based on polycarbonate/butadiene‐acrylonitrile‐styrene blend filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Nanocomposites of polycarbonate/acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (PC/ABS) with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) prepared by masterbatch dilution are investigated in this work. Melt compounding with twin screw extruder is followed by complete characterization of morphology, rheological‐, mechanical‐, and thermal‐properties of the nanocomposites. Light‐transmission‐ and scanning electron microscopy shows the preferential location of MWCNT in the PC. Nevertheless, relatively good dispersion in the whole matrix is achieved, what is corroborated with the specific mechanical energy. The study of viscoelastic properties of PC/ABS‐MWCNT shows the fluid–solid transition below 0.5 wt % MWCNT. Beyond this point the continuous nanofiller network is formed in the matrix promoting the reinforcement. Addition of 0.5 wt % MWCNT reduces ductility of PC/ABS and enhances Young's modulus by about 30% and yield stress by about 20%. Moreover, theoretical values of stiffness calculated within this work agree with the experimental data. Electrical conductivity, showing percolation at 2.0 wt % MWCNT, are influenced by processing temperature. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40271.