Abstract
This study outline the procedure of filament fabrication for fused deposition modelling (FDM), based upon rheological, mechanical, thermal, wear and morphological characterization as a case study of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) - melamine formaldehyde (MF) composite. It has been ascertained that with increase in proportion of MF in ABS, viscosity is improved and melt flow index (MFI) is reduced significantly. As regards to the wear behavior is concerned it has been observed that ABS-MF (12.5 wt.%) composite has shown minimum weight loss and porosity. For the mechanical properties of the composite, experimental results show increased brittleness of the samples with addition of MF reinforcement. The thermal stability analysis was performed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for virgin ABS and samples having 12.5% MF in ABS and results show the increased heat capacity of the material with increase in MF percentage. Further for sustainability analysis (based upon thermal stability), matrix of ABS-MF12.5% was subjected to three repeated thermal (heating-cooling) cycles and it has been ascertained that no significant loss was noticed in heat capacity of recycled composite matrix. The results are also supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Overall the results of the rheological, mechanical, wear, morphological and thermal properties suggested that 12.5% proportion of MF can be reinforced into selected grade of ABS thermoplastic for 3D printing as a sustainable solution.
Highlights
Polymers are the important part of our daily use products and polymeric waste disposal is one of the major issues for our society
The polymer matrix composite comprising of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) as matrix has been prepared by reinforcement of melamine formaldehyde (MF) with twin screw extrusion (TSE) followed by 3D printing on open source fused deposition modelling (FDM) setup
In this study experimental investigations were performed to understand ABS-MF composite matrix is suitable for sustainable manufacturing
Summary
Polymers are the important part of our daily use products and polymeric waste disposal is one of the major issues for our society. Recycling of thermoplastic polymers is somewhat easier but thermosetting can’t be re-moulded which makes recycling of thermosetting polymers arduous and a challenging. In this competitive era reduction of waste by recycling at lower costs is major concern for researchers [1]. The sustainability of recycled polymers ABS and PA6 blended with agricultural waste i.e. banana fibre was tested by making feedstock filament and was tested for mechanical properties and results claimed the enhanced mechanical properties of the filament [21]. In the present research work, effort has been made for recycling of thermosetting polymer; MF as reinforcement in ABS thermoplastic as secondary way of recycling by varying proportion of MF for sustainable manufacturing. The polymer matrix composite comprising of ABS as matrix has been prepared by reinforcement of MF with TSE followed by 3D printing on open source FDM setup
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
