Effects of nano-silicon dioxide surface modification on the morphology and mechanical properties of ABS/PMMA blends

This work analyzed the effects of nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) fillers on the morphology and mechanical properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends. NanoSiO(2 )particles were selectively dispersed in the PMMA phase, and the toughness of the ternary blends was significantly improved when the contents of the nano-SiO2 fillers were below 2 wt%. The stearic acid treatment of nano-SiO2 particles prevented the adhesion between constituents and markedly diminished the toughness of the blends. Nano-SiO2 particles were alternatively treated with a silane coupling agent to promote adhesion. The toughness was better in blends for filler contents below 2 wt% than in pure nano-SiO2 particles. However, the presence of nano-SiO2 fillers decreased the surface glossiness of the blends. This work provides new insights into the processes by which nanomaterials toughen ABS/PMMA blends.