Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)/Lignocellulosic Fiber Biocomposite: Effect of Artificial Weathering on Impact Properties

Impact properties of four ABS grades have been investigated as a function of artificial weathering under ultraviolet (UV)/condensation conditioning. Natural-colored, carbon-black-filled, and two lignocellulosic biocomposites filled with sunflower hull (SFH) and distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were used in this study. The neat ABS and filled grades were extruded and injection molded. Notched and unnotched Izod impact testing was performed to determine the impact resistance at 0 h and 168 h of UV/condensation conditioning. Chromatometry was performed to monitor color change and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to assess molecular changes because of photo-oxidation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for fractography of UV/condensation-exposed and impact fracture surfaces. The impact resistance of the lignocellulosic-filled ABS grades showed higher property retention at exposed condition in comparison to neat ABS. The analyses were supported by electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy.