Preparation and characterization of ABS/anhydrous cobalt chloride composites

Anhydrous cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) particles filled acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) composites were successfully prepared and investigated. A strong interfacial interaction between CoCl₂ particles and ABS matrix was generated by heat pressing at 190 °C for 15 min. SEM results demonstrated that the particles were dispersed uniformly in the matrix. Fourier transform infrared, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electron spin resonance were used for the investigation of the coordination reaction. The interfacial interaction resulted from a solid-state coordination reaction between nitrile groups (−CN) and cobalt ions (Co²⁺), leading to an increase in mechanical properties and glass transition temperature. Moreover, heat deflection temperatures were measured and proved to achieve an improvement of 30.6 °C when the CoCl₂ content was 7 wt%. (paper)