Effect of ZnS nanoparticles on the thermal, electrical, mechanical, and surface properties of ABS/PP blend nanocomposites

This study focuses on the synthesis of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles and their incorporation into an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and polypropylene (PP) blend via an eco-friendly melt mixing method. The objective is to enhance the structural, thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of the polymer blend for advanced functional applications. The appearance of ZnS-specific peaks and considerable wavenumber shifts in the FTIR spectra demonstrated the successful integration of ZnS nanoparticles into the ABS/PP matrix. XRD analysis revealed the retention of the characteristic crystalline peaks of ZnS, along with a reduction in the amorphous halo of the blend, suggesting increased structural order. FE-SEM and HRTEM analyses demonstrated improved ZnS dispersion at the optimum 7 wt% loading, while EDX analysis confirmed the presence of Zn and S, verifying the incorporation of ZnS into the ABS/PP matrix. TGA demonstrated increased thermal stability, as evidenced by higher degradation temperatures in the blend nanocomposites. The dielectric behaviour, AC conductivity and activation energy of the ABS/PP/ZnS nanocomposites were investigated over the frequency range of 10 2 –10 6 Hz, providing insights into their electrical properties. A significant increase in AC conductivity and dielectric properties was observed with increasing frequency and ZnS content, especially up to 7 wt%, accompanied by a decrease in activation energy, indicating enhanced charge transport. Mechanical testing revealed considerable enhancements in tensile strength, flexural strength, Young’s modulus, and hardness, whereas elongation at break decreased. Contact angle measurements also reflected increased hydrophobicity upon the addition of ZnS. Overall, the improved multifunctional properties suggest that ABS/PP/ZnS nanocomposites are promising functional materials for various electronic applications.