Effect of Surface Functionalized Alumina Nanoparticle on the Mechanical and Wear Behavior of Reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Polymer Composite

Alumina nanoparticles were successfully functionalized with a bi-functional coupling agent, (3-methacryloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (MPS), through a neutral solvent method. MPS was found to be covalently bound with the nanoparticles. The linked MPS was melt mixed with Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer through a twin screw extruder. Tensile test results revealed the Youngs modulus and strength increasing with particle loading. Microscopic examinations revealed the presence of large plastic deformations at the micron scale in the nanocomposites in agreement with the observed strengthening effect of functionalized nanoparticles. Pin on disk wear test revealed decreased in wear rate as compared to virgin polymer up to 30 %. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) did not show any significant change in the thermal degradation of the nanocomposite as compared with the neat polymer.