Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes, and the Effect on Thermal Stability in High-Impact Polystyrene

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with diameters ranging from 40 to 100 nm have been synthesized by the solvothermal process using ethanol as a carbon source and LaNiO3 as catalyst. The synthesized CNTs can be used for filaments in high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). HIPS/CNT nanocomposites have been prepared by the melt–intercalation process.Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry indicate that the thermal stability of HIPS/CNT nanocomposites is better than that of HIPS. The thermal degradation mechanism was investigated by pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry