Thermal and mechanical characterization of OMMT nano clay treated ABS parts via acetone deposition technique

Abstract

Presently, the Additive Manufacturing (AM) technique being used for the fabrication of end use products, but its application is restricted due to lack integrity in the surface quality because of its layer upon layer building technique. Hence, further improvement in the AM process are depends on the post processing of 3D printed parts and advancements in the materials being processed by AM technique. In recent years, use of nanoclay has gained considerable attraction due to its superior quality compared to pristine material. Montmorillonite nanoclay has versatile nanoparticles and has potential to enhance the part properties. This work discusses the utilization of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nanoclay for the post treatment of the FDM 3D printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) parts via chemical deposition technique. In this work, compatibility of OMMT with ABS was investigated. ABS parts were fabricated by commercial FDM machine and further, nanoparticles were deposited over the printed parts through by acetone bathing. OMMT in varying amount (2, 4, and 6 wt%), and immersion time (30, 50, and 70 Sec) were selected as the compatibilizer. The treated parts were evaluated for mechanical and thermal properties. The microstructure of treated parts was observed by optical microscope and analyzed by low angle XRD. The specimen treated with 4% nanoclay with 70 sec immersion time showed the better surface smoothness and also increased tensile & flexural strength and elastic & flexural modulus of 38.85 MPa & 48.63 MPa and 2.9 GPa & 1.8 GPa respectively. The parts treated with 6% OMMT nanoclay with 70 sec immersion time showed least (4.48 × 10–5C−1) expansion coefficient. It is also observed that, Tg value also increases from 101 to 106 0C with increase of OMMT content from 2 to 6 wt%. The surface treatment approach showed a competent way to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of FDM parts.