Mica as a filler for ABS/polycarbonate blends

Mica was incorporated in ABS/PC:65/35 blends prepared on a Haake Torque Rhe ometer System 9000 with Rheomix 600 mixer. To improve the polymer/filler in teraction, a treatment using silane on mica surface was performed. Studies were conducted concerning mechanical properties (flexural and impact streng th), thermal properties (DSC and Vicat softening temperature), rheology, an d flame retardancy. The composition with 30 phr of mica gives the best prop erties and efficiency in reducing the rate of burning, then becoming an alt ernative material to be explored and possibly meet the new requirements sou ght by these market blends. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.