Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Matrix Research Articles

Enhancing performance: insights into the augmentation potential of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/boron nitride composites

Abstract This work aims to investigate the morphological, mechanical and thermal characteristics of boron nitride (BN)-reinforced acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ABS) composites. ABS and ABS/BN composites with a maximum BN loading up to 8 wt% were developed using two-roll mill followed by compression molding. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images presented interlinking of BN flakes in the dimple texture of ABS. A modest decrease in tensile properties was observed for the composites. The tensile strength and impact strength for the ABS/BN8 specimen were lowered by 4.7 and 81.7 %, respectively. On the other hand, hardness increased by 3.39 % for ABS/BN8 composite. The interaction effect of BN in the ABS matrix on the thermal properties was assessed using thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). An enhancement in the thermal-stability was observed for BN incorporated ABS. There is a modest shift in glass transition (T g) temperature to a higher value for the ABS/BN composites.

Investigation of melt flow index and tensile properties of dual metal reinforced polymer composites for 3D printing using machine learning approach: Biomedical and engineering applications

This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical properties of metal/polymer composites produced through fused deposition modeling and the prediction of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) by machine learning using a Classification and Regression Tree (CART). The composites, comprising 80% acrylonitrile butadiene styrene matrix and 10% each of aluminum (Al) and copper (Cu) fillers, were subjected to a comprehensive exploration of printing parameters, including printing temperature, infill pattern, and infill density using the Taguchi method. The CART unveiled a hierarchical tree structure with four terminal nodes, each representing distinct subgroups of materials characterized by similar UTS properties. The predictors’ importance was assessed, highlighting their role in determining material strength. The model exhibited a high predictive power with an R-squared value of 0.9154 on the training data and 0.8922 on the test data, demonstrating its efficacy in capturing variability. The optimal combination of parameters for maximizing UTS was a zigzag infill pattern, a printing temperature of 245 °C, and an infill density of 10%, which is associated with the highest UTS of 680 N. The model’s reliability was confirmed through a paired t-test and test and confidence interval for two variances, revealing no significant difference between the observed and predicted UTS values. This research contributes to advancing additive manufacturing processes by leveraging CART analysis to optimize printing parameters and predict material strength. The identified optimal conditions and subgroup characteristics pave the way for developing robust and predictable metal/polymer composites, offering valuable insights for material design in the era of advanced manufacturing technologies.

Nano Zero-Valent Iron (nZVI) Encapsulated with ABS (nZVI/(ABS + EC)) for Sustainable Denitrification Performance and Anti-Aggregation

Aggregation and sharp reactivity decrease are the key problems of using nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) as a potential reaction medium for a permeable reactive barrier (PRB). In this study, nZVI particles encapsulated within an acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) matrix (nZVI/(ABS + EC)) was fabricated, which for the first time successfully simultaneously solved the above problems via accurately regulating the distribution of nZVI particles in the ABS matrix and regulating the contact between nZVI particles and the contaminated aqueous environment. In addition, the size and number of the pores throughout the ABS matrix were first regulated by ethyl cellulose (EC) for the purpose of controlling the contact between nZVI particles and the nitrate contaminant, affording apparent rate constants (kobs) for denitrification performance in the range of 0.0423 to 0.0820 min−1. The remediation of simulated nitrate-contaminated solution by nZVI/(ABS + EC) was suitably described by the first-order kinetics model, with kobs ranging from 0.0423 to 0.2036 min−1, and functional relationship models of kobs with the dosages of EC (dEC) and nZVI (dFe) during encapsulation were developed for the quantitative regulation of a sustainable denitrification performance. Results revealed that encapsulation prevents the aggregation of nZVI, rendering a sustainable denitrification performance of the material; the denitrification performance was demonstrated to be affected and quantitatively regulated by the encapsulation and application conditions. Using nZVI/(ABS + EC) as the reaction medium for PRB, the pore blocking of PRB can be avoided, and the sustainable remediation performance can be quantitatively regulated and predicted.

Mechanical, viscoelastic, and biodegradability characteristics of ramie fibre‐reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites

AbstractBiocomposites made from natural fibers have attracted significant attention in recent years owing to the global concern regarding plastic accumulation. In this investigation, ramie fiber was employed as a natural fiber reinforcement in the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) matrix to enhance the biodegradability of the polymer composite. ABS/ramie fiber composites were prepared by compression molding with various wt% (5, 10, 15, and 20 wt %) of ramie fibers within the ABS matrix. Subsequently, the biodegradability, water absorption, mechanical properties, viscoelastic behavior, and thermal characteristics of the prepared composites were evaluated. The biodegradation test results demonstrated that there was a positive correlation between the concentrations of fibers in neat ABS. The maximum biodegradation of the composites was 2.56% at 20 wt% ramie fibers in the ABS matrix. Moreover, an increase in the wt% of ramie fiber led to an increase in water absorption. Although the tensile strength and impact strength decreased with increasing fiber content, the tensile modulus of the ABS/ramie fiber composites initially increased up to 5 wt% fiber and then started decreasing, and the natural fibers in ABS reduced the viscoelastic properties. The objective of developing ABS/ramie fiber composites is to utilize them as environmentally sustainable materials in automotive manufacturing industry.

Mechanical and dynamic mechanical behavior of 3D printed waste slate particles filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites

This study analyses the feasibility of utilizing waste slate particles as a strengthening component in affordable 3D-printed composite materials to address environmental issues associated with waste management. Composite filaments were created by incorporating waste slate particles (5 %, 10 %, and 15 % by weight) into an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) matrix and subsequently evaluated for mechanical properties. A twin-screw extruder obtained the composite filaments, while test samples were produced using a 3D printer by fused deposition modelling. The developed composites have a gradual variation in evaluated properties, about an 8 % increment in hardness, and a 40 % increment in flexural and tensile modulus was noted on the inclusion of 15 wt% of waste slate particles in the ABS matrix. The composites filled with 10 wt% and 5 wt% waste slate particles exhibited the maximum flexural strength (65.24 MPa) and tensile strength (42.11 MPa), respectively. These values were 5 % and 8 % higher than those of unfilled ABS. Furthermore, it was shown that the ABS matrix saw a decrease in elongation and impact strength as the dosage of slate particles increased. The fractured surface morphology indicated that filament breaking, filler pullout, and the creation of voids between neighbouring layers were the primary causes of material failure. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results show the reinforcing effect of slate particles by an increase of storage modulus with 13 % at 35 °C for the composite with 10 wt% slate particles and 20 % for that with 15 wt% slate particles. DMA results analyzed the composite's adhesion factor, degree of entanglement, reinforcement efficiency factor, and effectiveness factor to clarify the reinforcing mechanism of slate particles. The study determines that the most effective utilization of waste slate particles in an ABS matrix is achieved by including 10 wt%. The results of this study enhance the concept of recycling waste slate powder and reveal the potential for their utilization in several industries, including the aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and architectural sectors of 3D printing.

High efficiency upcycling of post-consumer acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene via plasma-assisted mechanochemistry

Recycling plastic waste has become of utmost importance due to the escalating volume of waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), with its superior impact strength and many applications, constitutes a significant portion of WEEE. Although diverse approaches to recycling ABS have been developed, there remains an unmet need to enhance the mechanical properties of post-consumer recycled ABS with high recycling efficiency. The major hurdle to recycling ABS is caused by the thermo-oxidative degradation of the butadiene phase and phase separation between ABS and additives, which reduce the impact strength. Conventional methods employed compatibilizers and organic solvents to improve the compatibility between ABS and additives. Nevertheless, these approaches typically consume large amount of solvents, and thereby have limitations in terms of process feasibility, recycling efficiency, and environmental considerations. Here, we used plasma-assisted mechanochemistry (PMC) to upcycle post-consumer ABS through blending it with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) to enhance its mechanical properties. By concurrently applying high-energy mechanical forces and plasma gases in a dry condition, PMC induced chemical bond between oxidatively degraded ABS and radical-formed SBS chain. The improved interfacial affinity led to an overall homogeneous distribution of SBS particles within the ABS matrix, resulting in a reduction in particle size. Therefore, the PMC-processed upcycled ABS blends could endure high external forces with enhanced impact strength and elongation at break. Consequently, our PMC-based approach demonstrates an upcycling process of post-consumer ABS with high recycling efficiency that is also eco-friendly.

Determination of electromagnetic traveling path in polymer/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite foams and analysis by Taguchi technique

AbstractThe attenuation of electromagnetic (EM) energy with polymeric nanocomposite foams is significant because the microwave energy is diminished by multiscattering of EM into microcellular structure. In this study, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite foams were fabricated via a chemical foaming in an injection‐molding process. It was demonstrated that the skin depth in foamed ABS/MWCNT specimens was fallen dramatically compared to their solid counterparts. The diminution of skin depth for foamed ABS/1 wt% of MWCNT nanocomposite was 21.7% compared to solid pure ABS. The reflectance of pure ABS was decreased by foaming but it was increased in foamed ABS/MWCNT nanocomposite. The absorption of microwave was improved by foaming and adding MWCNTs in ABS matrix. The utmost value of the experimental absorption shielding effectiveness (SEA. experimental), 14.26 dB, was found for the foamed ABS/1 wt% of MWCNT, holding pressure of 2 s and cooling time of 60 s F8, at 8.7 GHz. It was demonstrated that traveling path of EM wave was prolonged by the introduction of microcellular structure in ABS/MWCNT nanocomposite. Moreover, the contribution of MWCNT, holding pressure time, and cooling time to traveling path were achieved 76.7%, 8.5%, and 7.3%, respectively.Highlights ABS/MWCNTs nanocomposite foams were fabricated by chemical foaming process. Skin depth in foamed nanocomposite samples was fallen compared to solids. Reflectance of pure ABS was decreased by foaming. Absorption of microwave was improved by foaming and MWCNTs. Traveling path of EM wave was prolonged by microcellular structure.

On the Structural, Thermal, Micromechanical and Tribological Characterizations of Cu-Filled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Micro-Composites.

The purpose of this work was to investigate the structural, thermal, micromechanical and tribological properties of novel polymer/metal composite materials for bearing applications. Copper (Cu)-filled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) composites were mixed in a laboratory scale by an internal mixer with two blade impellers, and then injection-molded. Neat ABS, ABS+5wt% Cu, ABS+10wt% Cu, and ABS+15wt% Cu were the four materials that were tested. The dispersion of Cu particles in the ABS matrix was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and a micro-tomography scan. The filler particles have a uniform distribution in the matrix, according to the observations. The incorporation of Cu filler also refined an increase in the glass transition temperature from Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and less intensity in the amorphous phase by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Nanoindentation tests were carried out to characterize the micro-mechanical behavior of the composites. Friction and wear analysis were also examined using a pin-on-disk tribometer. Compared with neat ABS, all the micro-composites showed much higher indentation hardness, Vickers hardness, and indentation elastic modulus. It was also concluded that the incorporation of Cu filler into ABS simultaneously improved the friction and wear properties of the composites, which contributed to the suitability of the micro-filled composites with hard metallic particles for a wider range of mechanical components for bearing applications.

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

The 3D-printed rapid tools are being used in finishing operations such as drilling, milling, broaching, roller burnishing, and other finishing operations that need anti-wear plastic composite materials. Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) is one of the ceramic materials which is highly appreciated due to its anti-wear properties. This study aims to develop the ZrO2 ceramic particles reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) thermoplastic composite feedstock filaments for 3D printing of rapid tools. In the first stage, the multiple numbers (as per Taguchi L9 orthogonal array (OA)) of ABS-ZrO2 feedstock filaments were developed by varying the loading of ZrO2 in ABS matrix (2 wt.%, 4 wt.%, and 6 wt.%), processing temperature (200, 205 and 210°C), and rotation speed of screw (4, 6 and 8 RPM). The optimum setting obtained for manufacturing ABS-ZrO2 composite feedstock filaments is the combination of 2% ZrO2 loading, 205°C processing temperature, and 6 RPM screw speed. In the next stage, fused filament fabrication (FFF) based 3D printing has been used to prepare the rapid tools. The wear test performed for 3D printed ABS-ZrO2 composites rapid tools shows only .62% weight loss which is lower as compared to virgin ABS (.91% weight loss). The results of the study are supported by fracture analysis, morphology, and mechanical properties.

Investigation of ABS–oil palm fiber (Elaeis guineensis) composites filament as feedstock for fused deposition modeling

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tensile strength, Young’s modulus, dimensional stability and porosity of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)–oil palm fiber composite filament for fused deposition modeling (FDM). Design/methodology/approach A new feedstock material for FDM comprising oil palm fiber and ABS as a matrix was developed by a twin screw extruder. The composite filament contains 0, 3, 5 and 7 Wt.% of oil palm fiber in the ABS matrix. The tensile test is then performed on the fiber composite filament, and the wire diameter is measured. In this study, the Archimedes method was used to determine the density and the porosity of the filament. The outer surface of the wire composite was examined using an optical microscope, and the analysis of variance was used to assess the significance and the relative relevance of the primary factor. Findings The results showed that increasing the fiber loading from 0.15 to 0.4 MPa enhanced tensile strength by 60%. Then, from 16.1 to 18.3 MPa, the Young’s modulus rose by 22.8%. The density of extruded filament decreased and the percentage of porosity increased when the fiber loading was increased from 3 to 7 Wt.%. The diameter deviation of the extruded filaments varied from −0.21 to 0.04 mm. Originality/value This paper highlights a novel natural resource-based feedstock material for FDM. Its mechanical and physical properties were also discovered.

Three Dimensional Printing of Multiscale Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites Containing Graphene or Carbon Nanotubes.

Three-dimensional printing offers a promising, challenging opportunity to manufacture component parts with ad hoc designed composite materials. In this study, the novelty of the research is the production of multiscale composites by means of a solvent-free process based on melt compounding of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS), with various amounts of microfillers, i.e., milled (M) carbon fibers (CFs) and nanofillers, i.e., carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The compounded materials were processed into compression molded sheets and into extruded filaments. The latter were then used to print fused filament fabrication (FFF) specimens. The multiscale addition of the microfillers inside the ABS matrix caused a notable increase in rigidity and a slight increase in strength. However, it also brought about a significant reduction of the strain at break. Importantly, GNPs addition had a good impact on the rigidity of the materials, whereas CNTs favored/improved the composites’ electrical conductivity. In particular, the addition of this nanofiller was very effective in improving the electrical conductivity compared to pure ABS and micro composites, even with the lowest CNT content. However, the filament extrusion and FFF process led to the creation of voids within the structure, causing a significant loss of mechanical properties and a slight improvement of the electrical conductivity of the printed multiscale composites. Selective parameters have been presented for the comparison and selection of compositions of multiscale nanocomposites.

On chemical assisted blending of secondary recycled ABS with bakelite and wood dust for fused filament fabrication

ABSTRACT In past decades, several studies have been reported on the fabrication of thermoplastic matrix-based filaments by mechanical blending with a twin-screw extruder (TSE) for 3D printing applications. But hitherto little has been reported on the chemical-assisted mechanical blending of secondary (2°) recycled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) matrix with reinforcement of wood dust (WD) and bakelite powder (BP) for non-structural engineering applications. This study demonstrates the influence of TSE processing parameters on various properties (mechanical, rheological, and thermal) of composite filaments prepared by reinforcing WD and BP in a 2° recycled ABS matrix with the assistance of a chemical (acetone) as a novel fabrication technique. It was observed that chemical blending of reinforcements in ABS resulted in improved mechanical properties as compared to mechanical blending, however, the heat-carrying capacity of filaments with chemical assisted blending was degraded. The enhanced peak strength (PS) along with percentage break elongation (%BE) of ABS+BP-based composite filament was observed at 10 kg (load), 245°C (temperature) and 70 rpm (speed) with the corresponding values of PS and %BE as (30.93 MPa, 5.43%), respectively. The input parameters (10 kg, 225°C, 70 rpm) displayed optimum PS and %BE (35.72 MPa, 6.87%), respectively, for ABS+WD-based composite filaments.

Characterization and Antibacterial Potential of Melt Compounded Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene/Copper Nanoparticle Composites

Copper Nanoparticle (CuNP) is mi xed as nanofiller to Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) to pro duce a material that can control bacterial growth on material surfaces and improve antibacterial performance . The nanoco mposite i s produced via melt compounding using a twin-screw ext ruder. Three samples are prepared with 0%, 1.5% and 3% Copper Nanoparticle loading . Th e samples are extruded , placed in a mold and processed in a compression molding machine. The samples were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (F TI R), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Mechanical Testing (DMA) and Antibacterial Testing. Results from FTIR shows presence of molecular vibrations of Acrylonitrile, Butadiene and Styrene groups with the presence of foreign substances identified as an addi ti ve used in commercial ABS production. XRD showed t he incorporation of copper nanoparticles in the nanocomposites. DMA results shows that the incorporation of copper nanoparticles into the ABS matrix results to diverse effect on its mechanical and thermal p r operty. Lastly, antibacterial test showed that both 1.5 wt% CuNP and 3 wt% CuNP exhibited high effectivity on inhibiting Escherichia coli. Index terms: Copper Nanoparticle, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, filler, nanocomposite, antibacterial material, melt compounding, twin-screw extruder, Escherichia coli .

Processing and characterization of tailorable 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites with hybrid buckypapers

In this work, a hybrid additive manufacturing process was used to incorporate hybrid buckypapers into an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene matrix. The buckypapers were made onsite during manufacturing from a suspension containing carbon nanotubes, short carbon fibres, and polymer binders. The 3D-printed composites were post-processed by vacuum bagging. The composites reinforced with hybrid buckypapers showed a higher tensile strength by 18% and a tensile modulus by 20% than neat ABS. Further improvement in tensile properties (up to 39%) was observed after the modification of hybrid buckypapers with epoxy or thermoplastic polyurethane binders. The porosity was reduced from 4.8% to 0.5% after the post-treatment of ABS. The microstructure of the hybrid buckypapers and the resulting mechanical properties of the composites depended on the weight fraction (1, 5, or 10 wt%) of binders. The composites without binders were the most porous and experienced a 64% reduction in interlaminar shear strength. The thermoplastic polyurethane had a negligible impact on interlaminar shear strength, while the epoxy binder fully recovered it. The results showed that the mechanical properties and morphology of composites containing hybrid reinforcement can be tailored by selecting the type and weight fraction of the polymer binder system.

Mechanical characterization and morphological behavior of a novel composite of ABS polymer strengthened by cellulose

ABSTRACT The present work is a novel investigation of the mechanical behavior of a fabricated cellulose-fiber-reinforced acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer matrix composite. Polymer matrix composite (PMC) samples were prepared by varying ratios of ABS and cellulose weight percentages such as pure ABS, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50. In comparison with pure ABS, the maximum improvements of mechanical behaviors observed from the fabricated materials are 22.22% of flexural strength, 51.11% of impact strength, 15% of hardness, and 50% of compression strength; also, morphological studies like X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy were carried out, and their correlations were obtained for similar ABS matrix composite materials. The addition of 20 weight percent of cellulose reinforcement with 80 weight percentage of the ABS matrix composite improved the flexural strength to 63MPa, impact strength to 34 J/m2,, hardness to 83.1, and shore D and compressive strength to 18 MPa. DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Analysis) analysis of the fabricated specimen showed increased storage modulus and reduced damping factor over the pure ABS matrix material. Morphological studies of the PMC reveal the even distribution of cellulose reinforcement within the ABS matrix materials.

A Study Of Welding Of Heterogenous Polycarbonate Substances Utilizing Hybrid Filaments Of Fused Deposition Modeling

Friction-based welding is one of the most cost-effective and dependable methods for joining thermoplastics. However, there has been minimal work that has demonstrated the procedure/methods/equipment for welding two distinct types of thermoplastics. There is, nevertheless, a significant possibility of connecting the various thermoplastic materials by matching their melt flow index (MFI). One way for modifying the MFI is to reinforce it with micro/nano sized fillers. Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is a fast prototyping technology that employs thermoplastic-based filament to print components. The current study focuses on connecting aluminium (Al) metal powder reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide 6 (PA6) thermoplastic substrates (3D printed by FDM) utilising friction welding (FW) / friction stir welding (FSW) / friction stir spot welding (FSSW). It was observed that the PA6 with 50% Al fillers (PA6-50% Al) and ABS matrix with 15% Al fillers (ABS-15% Al) produced MFIs of 11.97g/10min and 11.57g/10min, respectively.

Rigid and conductive lightweight regenerated cellulose/carbon nanotubes/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene nanocomposites constructed via a Pickering emulsion process

AbstractLightweight polymer‐based conductive nanocomposites are attractive future electronic materials. However, the agglomeration of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the polymers is still a serious concern. Herein, CNTs were homogeneously dispersed in acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) matrix with the aid of regenerated cellulose (RC), via an easy and cost‐effective Pickering emulsion approach to form conductive nanocomposites. The prepared nanocomposites were investigated for their morphological, thermal, electrical, mechanical, and rheological properties. CNTs were observed to be uniformly entrapped within the RC suspension. RC proved to be both an efficient dispersant and stabilizer for CNTs and ABS, respectively, in that a noticeable enhancement in the electrical conductivity of the polymer of up to 21 Sm−1 was caused with the incorporation of 6.7 wt.% CNTs. RC alone caused 29.6% increase in the tensile strength of neat ABS, while the Young's modulus of the nanocomposites was increased by 21.1%. This improvement was attributed to the uniform dispersion of the stiff CNT/RC hybrid suspension and the formation of strong bond interactions in the ABS matrix. Furthermore, higher crystallinity and melt viscosity in the blends were achieved. This upturn in ABS properties will enable its wider application in the engineering industry as conductors, sensors, antistatic, and electromagnetic interference materials.

Influence of Solid Lubricant Addition on Friction and Wear Response of 3D Printed Polymer Composites.

In this study, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and graphite powder—a solid lubricant—were filled and characterized for friction and wear responses. The fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique was utilized to synthesize ABS–graphite composites. A twin-screw extrusion approach was employed to create the composite filament of graphite–ABS that is suitable for the FDM process. Three graphite particle ratios ranging from 0% to 5% were explored in the ABS matrix. The wear and friction properties of ABS composites were examined using a pin on disc tribometer at varied sliding velocities and weights. As a result of the graphite addition in the ABS matrix, weight losses for FDM components as well as a decreased coefficient of friction were demonstrated. Furthermore, as the graphite weight percentage in the ABS matrix grows the value of friction and wear loss decreases. The wear mechanisms in graphite filled ABS composites and ABS were extensively examined using scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy.

BODIPY coated on MXene nanosheets for improving mechanical and fire safety properties of ABS resin

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin is a commonly used engineering thermoplastic. Nevertheless, the fire toxicity hazards (HCN, NOx, NH3 and CO) generated from the combustion of ABS remains a major concern, especially in building fire scenarios. To address this issue, boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) modified MXene (Ti3C2Tx) nanosheets were prepared and utilized as a flame retardant for ABS. The loading of 0.5 wt% BODIPY-MXene resulted in the uniform dispersion in ABS. Accordingly, the tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break of ABS/BODIPY-MXene0.5 were improved by 27.8%, 18.6% and 17.9% respectively compared to neat ABS, suggesting the enhanced mechanical properties. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value was increased from 19.5% for neat ABS to 21.5% and 23.5% for ABS/BODIPY-MXene0.5 and ABS/BODIPY-MXene2.0 benefitted from the rapid carbonization. The cone calorimeter coupled with FTIR analysis showed that the reductions in peak heat release rate (−24.5%), peak smoke production rate (−18.4%), peak concentration of HCN (−33.5%), NO (−22.0%), N2O (−46.6%), NH3 (−76.0%) and CO (−28.8%) were achieved by incorporating 0.5 wt% BODIPY-MXene to ABS in comparison with pure ABS. The improved fire safety properties were primarily attributed to the excellent barrier, free radical capture, and catalytic carbonization effect of BODIPY-MXene nanosheets within ABS matrix.

Friction stir spot welding of dissimilar ABS and PA6 by a tool with newly designed tooth-shaped flat pin

Dissimilar Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polyamide 6 (PA6) are hard to be welded due to their poor compatibilities. In this paper, a flat-pin tool with long tooth-shaped tip was designed and utilized to friction stir spot weld ABS and PA6 plates. Annular PA6 anchor and column were produced, which enhanced the mechanical interlocking between the lapped sheets. Rotational speed (S R ) was found to be influential to the weld formation, PA6 morphology and joint mechanical property. PA6 column became short and PA6 anchor gradually disappeared with the increase of S R . The PA6 particles were large and poorly connected with ABS matrix under S R 250. A large amount of PA6 particles were refined to a few microns or even hundreds of nanometers under S R 350, presenting spherical and rod-shaped morphologies. Meanwhile, their connection with ABS matrix became compact. Under S R 500, pores emerged in the nugget and gaps were generated along the nugget boundary. Lap-shear tensile tests showed that the fracture loads of the joints decreased with increased S R and two failure modes were observed. Elongated PA6 bands, deep holes and dimples were observed on the fracture surface of the nugget obtained under S R 350.