Polymeric nanocomposite materials: Preparation and characterization of star-shaped PbS nanocrystals and their influence on the thermal stability of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) copolymer

Star-shaped PbS nanocrystals were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal reaction between Pb(NO3)(2)center dot 4H(2)O and thioglycolic acid at a relatively low temperature. The PbS nanostructures were then combined in a acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer. The effect of the PbS nanostructures on the thermal stability of the nanocomposite products has been investigated. The nanostructures and nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis and atomic force microscopy. Cone calorimeter measurements showed that the heat release rate significantly decreased in the presence of PbS. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.