Thermomechanical Properties of SiC-Filled Polybutylene Succinate Composite Fabricated via Melt Extrusion

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) composites filled with various mass fractions of silicon carbide (SiC) particles were fabricated via slow melt extrusion. The morphological analysis revealed that the fabrication technique assisted in achieving a good adhesion between the PBS and SiC, along with excellent filler dispersion throughout the PBS matrix. The inclusion of 40 wt.% SiC in the PBS composite afforded a 10 degrees C increase in the thermal degradation temperature and a 160% enhancement in the thermal conductivity relative to the neat PBS. The crystallization temperature also increased with the inclusion of SiC particles, thus making the composites easier to process. Furthermore, the improvement in the Young's modulus of the PBS composites increased their rigidity and stiffness relative to the neat PBS.