Analyses of mechanical properties and morphological behavior of additively manufactured ABS polymer, ABS/PBT blend, and ABS/PBT /CNT nanocomposite parts

Abstract

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) and Fused deposition modeling (FDM) are among the most common methods of additive manufacturing technology for a variety of industries. However, the extrusion-based process of these technologies has qualified the usable materials to thermoplastics with inherently limited mechanical properties. Augmenting the properties of these materials by blending them with other polymers or their reinforcement with various additives are among the solutions to overcome this issue. This study examines the result of the introduction of Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), as one of the most common thermoplastics used in FDM/FFF processes, and explores the effects of the incorporation of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) to ABS/PBT blend with different filler fractions (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt.%) on the mechanical properties of the printed specimens. In order to assess the mechanical behavior of the printed parts, standard melt flow index (MFI), tensile, three-point flexural, and notched impact tests have been performed on the produced parts. The morphological analyses through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs have been conducted to inspect the distribution of impregnated MWCNTs and the fracture behavior of the specimens. The most satisfactory improvement has been observed in printed parts of the ABS/PBT/CNT nanocomposites containing 0.3 wt.% of MWCNTs.

Fused deposition modeling of carbon‐reinforced polymer matrix composites: A comprehensive review

“…The lack of enhancement is related to the presence of CNTs and is associated with two primary factors: the poorer spreadability of the restricted processing window of substrate limiting the diffusion process between the different layers (owning to the different crystallization temperatures) and the composite compared to the pure polymer (owning to the higher melt‐in‐fluid index (MFI)). The increase in CNTs content results in a severe decrease in MFI, 121–123 which explains the nozzle obstruction issue that occurs when printing with filaments that have a high MWCNTs filling rate. It is not conducive to improving the manufacturing efficiency and forming quality of FDM, which complicates the 3D printing process.…”

On fabrication of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-zirconium oxide composite feedstock for 3D printing-based rapid tooling applications

“…To improve the mechanical characteristics of ABS-based composites, researchers have looked at the insertion of different reinforcements such as carbon fibers, glass fibers, nanofillers, and nanoparticles. 25,26 Enhancing strength, stiffness, toughness, and thermal stability are the goals of these reinforcements. Achieving homogeneous dispersion of reinforcements within the ABS matrix, preserving good interfacial adhesion between the matrix and reinforcements, optimizing processing parameters, and addressing potential problems like filament breakage or nozzle clogging during 3D printing are obstacles that researchers must overcome.…”

Investigation of low-percentage graphene reinforcement on the mechanical behaviour of additively manufactured polyethylene terephthalate glycol composites

“…The outcomes showed how these composites could be used in applications that called for better mechanical and thermal performance. A study on ABS polymer, ABS/ PBT mix, and ABS/PBT/CNT nanocomposite parts that were additively made was done by Farajian et al 31 The study assessed these materials' morphological behaviour in addition to their mechanical characteristics. Better mechanical characteristics, such as increased tensile strength and modulus, were obtained with the addition of CNTs.…”