In this work, Rheological and mechanical properties of acrylonitrile –
butadiene – styrene/ corn starch composites (ABS/starch) were studied. The
composites were prepared using a laboratory scale single screw extruder.
Rheological properties were
determined using the single screw extruder, and
apparent shear rate (γ), apparent shear stress (τ), apparent viscosity (η), non-
Newtonian index (n) and flow activation energy at a constant shear rate (Eγ)
and constant shear stress (Eτ) were determined. Mechanical properties in term
of tensile tests were performed using Testometric M350-10KN, stress at break,
strain at break and Young's modulus were determined. Rheological results
showed that the composites are pseudo plastic in behavior, and the apparent
viscosity of the composites increases with increasing starch content above the
additive rule which indicates a partial compatibility in the composite, also it
was found that the flow activation energy of the composite increases with
increasing starch content. Also it was found that the activation energy value at
a constant shear stress is more than that at a constant shear rate. The
mechanical results showed that the strain at break of the composite decreases
sharply by the presence of starch, whereas the young's modulus increases with
increasing starch content.
