Enhancing vibration damping properties of MABS/VDT blends using SEBS-g-MAH as a compatibilizer

This investigation focuses on the enhancement of the damping properties of Methyl Methacrylate Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (MABS) through the formulation of a specific blend with a styrene-based elastomer referred to as VDT, and with the incorporation of Ethylene Butylene Styrene grafted Maleic Anhydride (SEBS-g-MAH) as a compatibilizer. In contrast to traditional investigations that primarily focus on the mechanical rigidity, thermal conductivity, and electrical conductivity of materials, this research explores the enhancement of damping properties via the process of melt compounding. Using a twin-screw extruder in a precise melt-mixing process, a multiphase polymer blend is generated by including three different weight ratios (10, 20, and 30 wt.%) of VDT. Furthermore, in order to enhance the compatibility between MABS and VDT, three different weight percentages of SEBS-g-MAH (2, 4, and 6 wt.%) have been used in the blend. Tensile testing, laser confocal microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), are used to thoroughly assess the compatibility and effectiveness of the blends. The results indicate that the damping performance of the blend increases in direct proportion to the amount of VDT. Conversely, the addition of SEBS-g-MAH has a non-monotonic effect: the inclusion of 4 wt.% SEBS-g-MAH leads to the most substantial improvements in both damping performance and tensile strength, exceeding the results obtained with 2 wt.% and 6 wt.% compatibilizer. The study highlights the need for carefully choosing the right wt.% of compatibilizers when aiming to formulate polymer blends with enhanced vibration dampening properties.