Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Polymer Research Articles

Modelling Fatigue Crack Growth in High-Density Polyethylene and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Polymers.

Prior studies into fatigue crack growth (FCG) in fibre-reinforced polymer composites have shown that the two methodologies of Simple-Scaling and the Hartman-Schijve crack growth equation, which is based on relating the FCG rate to the Schwalbe crack driving force, Δκ, were able to account for differences observed in the measured delamination growth curves. The present paper reveals that these two approaches are also able to account for differences seen in plots of the rate of crack growth, da/dt, versus the range of the imposed stress intensity factor, ΔK, associated with fatigue tests on different grades of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) polymers, before and after electron-beam irradiation, and for tests conducted at different R ratios. Also, these studies are successfully extended to consider FCG in an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer that is processed using both conventional injection moulding and additive-manufactured (AM) 3D printing.

Performance evaluation of 3D-printed ABS and carbon fiber-reinforced ABS polymeric spur gears

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer and carbon fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (CF/ABS) spur gears were 3D-printed using fusion deposition modeling (FDM) with different fillet radii of 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 mm. The performance of the fabricated gears was studied with the effect of fillet radius on varying load and speed conditions. The thermal properties of the gears were also investigated. The results indicated that 3D-printed CF/ABS spur gear exhibited better performance than the pure ABS. The 3D-printed CF/ABS gear with fillet radius of 0.25 mm recorded the highest wear and thermal stresses. However, the optimum performance was exhibited by the gear sample with highest fillet radius of 0.75 mm. Repeated gear tooth loading during service caused an increase in gear temperature due to the hysteresis and friction. Using optical microscopy, the tooth structures of both 3D-printed ABS and CF/ABS spur gears were analyzed before and after loading conditions to establish their failure mechanism. Evidently, various applications of the FDM 3D-printed spur gears depend on their different performances under loads and operating speeds. The methods and findings of this work can be regarded as helpful for future related work related to cellulosic reinforcing particles in a polymer matrix.

Evaluating and Comparing Flexure Strength of Dental Models Printed Using Fused Deposition Modelling, Digital Light Processing, and Stereolithography Apparatus Printers.

The introduction of three-dimensional (3D) printing in dentistry has mainly focused on applications such as surgical planning, computer-guided templates, and digital impression conversions. Additive manufacturing (AM), also known as 3D printing, involves layering resin material sequentially to construct objectsand is gaining recognition for its role in creating custom-made medical appliances. The field of orthodontics has also embraced this technological waveand with the advent of cost-effective printers and biocompatible resins, 3D printing has become increasingly feasible and popular in orthodontic clinics. The limitations of traditional plaster models may have prompted the emergence of 3D-printed models, but it led to enhancing treatment planning and device fabrication, particularly in orthodontics. Notable desktop printing technologies include fused deposition modelling (FDM), digital light processing (DLP), and stereolithography (SLA), each employing distinct methods and materials for fabricating appliances. Evaluating mechanical properties, like flexure strength, is crucial to determine the material's ability to withstand bending forces and thus prove useful in fabricating thermoformable appliances, surgical templates, etc. This study aims to assess the flexure strength of 3D-printed models using FDM, DLP, and SLA technology, providing insights into their suitability as replacements for conventional models and shedding some light on the durability and sustainability of 3D-printed models. Cuboids measuring 20 x 5 x 2 mm were cut from models, creating 10 samples per printer group. These samples underwent flexure strength testing using a three-point bending system in a universal testing machine. The FDM group exhibited the highest flexure strength at 69.36 ± 6.03 MPa, while the DLP group showed the lowest flexure strength at 67.47 ± 20.58 MPa. The results can be attributed to the differences in resin materials used for fabrication, with FDM using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer and SLA/DLP using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and also to the variation in their printing mechanism. The findings affirm the suitability of FDM models for orthodontic applications, suggesting enhanced efficiency and reliability in clinical practices.

An investigation on the toughening behavior and morphology of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/polybutylene terephthalate blends reinforced by carbon nanotubes

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) polymers are widely exploited polymers in the plastics industry. In this research, PBT polymer is added into ABS polymer as a second phase due to its good fluidity and some superior mechanical characteristics. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are added as a reinforcement into the ABS/PBT polymer blend (80/20). Standard samples of mechanical tests including tensile, flexural, and impact were made by injection molding and standard samples of fracture tests were made by hot press method. The essential work of fracture (EWF) method was used to check fracture toughness. The presence of PBT into ABS improved its tensile and flexural strength while it diminished the impact strength and fracture toughness of ABS. The addition of carbon nanotubes into ABS/PBT blends increased its tensile and flexural strength, impact resistance as well as fracture toughness. The results of microscopic tests demonstrate a relatively uniform distribution of carbon nanotubes in the polymer blend. In addition, the morphological observations illustrate a rather proper adhesion between carbon nanotubes and the polymeric matrix. As importantly, investigations on the fractured sections of fracture specimens revealed that the nanocomposites containing CNTs have a tendency toward a ductile failure in comparison with ABS/PBT polymer blend.

Improved mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotube reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene nanocomposites prepared by twin screw extruder

Dispersion of carbon nanotubes in a thermoplastic polymer matrix is a big challenge in the research community. In the present study, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were dispersed in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer by a twin screw extruder to improve mechanical and thermal properties. The desired ratio of MWCNT in ABS (1, 2, and 3 wt.%) were dispersed through single and double extrusion processes by a twin screw extruder. The test specimens of produced composites and pure ABS materials were prepared by micro-injection molding. The nanocomposites’ mechanical and thermal properties were investigated and compared with pure ABS. It has been found that the tensile strength has increased significantly for single-extruded and double-extruded composites. A comparative study of MWCNTs reinforced ABS nanocomposites and pure ABS was carried out using thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier's transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and Scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the microhardness has also increased for single- and double-extruded nanocomposites in comparison to pure ABS.

Determination of creep crack growth kinetics of ABS via the C* approach at different temperatures

Crack initiation and propagation under creep is one of the main failure modes of service equipment made of plastic. This paper explores the feasibility of using the creep C* integral approach to deduce creep crack growth data obtained for a polymeric material, specifically an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer, which exhibits nonlinear mechanical behavior. Experimental creep crack growth data, measured at 60 and 80 °C, was used to obtain the relationship between the time rate of crack growth, da/dt, due to secondary creep and the applied value of C*. A master-curve could be determined, which describes experimental data at both temperatures. These promising results suggest that C* integral approach can be used as powerful and convenient tool to describe crack propagation of polymeric materials under secondary creep conditions. The approach may also be of interest for the prediction of creep lifetime for ductile polymers.

Ratcheting strain accumulation of 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-graphene composites

This study aims to examine the ratcheting response of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in its filament and 3D-printed forms. Combined chemical solution and melting compounding technique was used to fabricate the composite filaments through the use of a twin-screw extruder. In terms of filament nanocomposites, the effects of varying in GNP weight percentages was studied on the ratcheting response of the samples undergoing cyclic loads with the stress ratio of R = 0. Results revealed that filaments containing 0.5 wt% GNPs experienced the highest fatigue life and lowest strain ratcheting accumulation as compared to pure ABS filament and those with GNPs at 0.1 and 1.0 wt%. Observations revealed that the 3D-printed parts exhibited more complex ratcheting behaviour, wherein the interaction of printing process parameters including raster orientation and nozzle diameter along with factors such as GNP contents simultaneously influenced the fatigue and ratcheting behaviour of the printed specimens. Selecting the appropriate amount of nanofillers, along with the optimum printing process parameters, not only can increase the fatigue life of a 3D-printed samples, but can also substantially reduce the ratcheting strain accumulation values.

Selective laser sintering of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer and post-processing enhancement: an experimental study

Selective laser sintering of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer and post-processing enhancement: an experimental study

Combating toxic emissions from thermal recycling of polymeric fractions laden with novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in e-waste: an in-situ approach using Ca(OH)2.

Legacy brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in printed circuit boards are gradually being replaced by novel BFRs (NBFRs). Safe disposal and recycling of polymeric constituents in the polymeric fractions of e-waste necessitate the removal of their toxic and corrosive bromine content. This is currently acquired through thermal recycling operations involving the pyrolysis of BFRs-containing materials with metal oxides. Nonetheless, the debromination capacity toward NBFRs is yet to be established. Thus, this study aims to address these two crucial gaps in the current knowledge pertaining to the plausible formation of brominated toxicants from the thermal decomposition of NBFRs and their thermal recycling potential. Herein, we investigate the pyrolysis of a mixture of 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP), allyl 2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (ATE) and Tetrabromobisphenol A-bis (2,3-dibromo propyl ether) (TBBPA-DBPE) in the presence of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymers at various loads. To demonstrate a viable debromination route, pyrolysis of NBFRs-ABS mixture with Ca(OH)2 was also investigated. The latter is a potent debromination agent for legacy BFRs. Upon pyrolysis with Ca(OH)2, the bromine content in the collected oil was reduced up to 80.49% between 25-500 °C. Products of the co-pyrolysis process generally feature non-brominated aromatic and aliphatic compounds; a finding that indicates an effective thermal recycling approach. As evident by IC measurements, no HBr emission could be detected when Ca(OH)2 is added to the mixture. As XRD patterns show, Ca(OH)2 is partially converted into CaBr2. DFT calculations provide pathways for the observed surface debromination characterized by surface-assisted fission of aromatic C-Br bonds and the formation of CaBr sites. Outcomes reported herein are instrumental to designing and operating a thermal recycling facility of polymeric materials contaminated with high loads of bromine, i.e., most notably during scenarios encountered in the thermal recycling of e-waste.

Thermal and thermomechanical properties of boron nitride-filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composites

The present study aims at investigating the effect of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoplatelets on the properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer. Composites containing 0-30 vol% hBN were prepared through batchwise melt compounding, which was followed by compression molding. Subsequently, the thermal and thermomechanical properties of the fabricated samples were investigated. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that the storage modulus of the samples was markedly improved in the entire examined temperature range, while the glass transition temperature also gradually increased as a function of hBN content. According to the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the incorporated boron nitride particles enhanced the thermal stability of ABS composites, exhibiting a notably higher decomposition onset temperature. Additionally, the thermal conductivity of the ABS/hBN composites significantly increased by 570% when the hBN content was 30 vol%.

Mapping the coating failure modes of electroless plated metal on ABS polymer with micro-nano structured interface

Electroless plating is the default industrial process for depositing glossy metallic coatings on polymeric parts, most often made of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) plastic. Unfortunately, the adhesion of plated metals on ABS requires harsh acid etching of the polymer, leaving hazardous chemical waste. We recently offered “Greener electrochemical plating of ABS polymer with unprecedented adhesion via hierarchical micro-nano texturing”. Understanding of the coating failure mechanism at the micro–nano structured interface would allow programming the adhesion strength via the topographical design of the interface. This study develops a theoretical map of coating failure modes versus geometrical parameters of the metal–polymer interface and validate via precise nanofabrication experiments. The ABS polymer was hot embossed with 2–6 μm wide, 2–6 μm deep micro-textures, then it was acid-etched for 1 min to superpose nano-texture over the micro-textures prior to the electroless Cu plating, coating peeling test, and microscopic characterization of the fractured interface. We observed four coating failure modes: (1) adhesive failure at interface, (2) mixed adhesive/cohesive failure, (3) cohesive failure of metal, and (4) cohesive failure of polymer; the last one demonstrated the highest peeling forces. Surprisingly, the proportionality of the adhesion force to the texture aspect ratio was valid only up to a certain threshold, beyond which the adhesion forces falls down due to the fail of metal. The results presented here allows one to control/program the adhesion strength at the metal-polymer interface and optimize the micro-texture of ABS parts for greener electroless plating and durable coating adhesion.

Synthesis of rGO-Fe3O4 and La4BaCu5O13.10 and their polymer composites for electromagnetic interference shielding applications

This article reports polymer-based composites and their shielding effectiveness in X-band frequency. We synthesized rGO-Fe3O4 and La4BaCu5O13.10 using one-pot hydrothermal and nitrate citrate gel method respectively. Their phase purity and structural, functional, and morphological characterization are confirmed with PXRD, FTIR, and SEM characterization techniques. The shielding effectiveness (SE) and their mechanism were studied by incorporating synthesized nanomaterials with multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer matrix with a uniform thickness of 1 mm. rGO-Fe3O4 along with MWCNT in the ABS matrix, shows a total shielding efficiency (SET) of 26 dB with a percentage of absorption of 70 %, in comparison to La4BaCu5O13.10 with MWCNT in the ABS matrix shows SET 24 dB with absorption percentage 80 %. The SET of the two composites is comparable, but their mechanism of shielding EM waves differs considerably. Understanding the shielding mechanism allows one to choose fillers with magnetic, dielectric, or metallic properties for different EM applications. It also provides insight into designing shielding materials to achieve maximum shielding ability by blending different filler materials.

Morphological and Mechanical Characterization of Friction Stir Welded Zones in Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Polymer

Morphological and Mechanical Characterization of Friction Stir Welded Zones in Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Polymer

Functionalization of dielectric BaTiO3 and semiconducting ZnO nanoparticles on rGO layers and their polymer composites: Applications in EMI shielding

Due to the continuous need for electronic devices across various industries, electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a significant problem in contemporary civilization. Materials with properties like lightweight, ease of processing, non-corrosiveness, design flexibility, and compatibility with existing technologies are in the spotlight to handle this problem. In this article, we have synthesized rGO-BaTiO3 by surface hydroxylation of dielectric BaTiO3 with graphene oxide (GO), and rGO-ZnO by in-situ reduction with GO and zinc nitrate. Phase purity, functional group analysis and morphological properties are studied by using PXRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, and TEM. Polymer composites are prepared using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer with nanofillers rGO-BaTiO3 and rGO-ZnO with multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT). Total Shielding Effectiveness (SET) was measured by varying the weight ratio and thickness of the shield. The rGO-BaTiO3 composite with 10 wt% for 3 mm thickness shows a SET of 40.5 dB in X-band and maximum SET obtained is 59.8 dB at 11.8 GHz. In the case of rGO-ZnO composites shows 45.1 dB and maximum SET observed is 57.9 dB at 9.6 GHz. The data results obtained are envisaged to prove their potential in electronic appliances, electromagnetic countermeasures, and stealth materials.

Universal behavior of low-temperature heat capacity of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene thermoplastic polymer and its composite with graphene oxide

The low-temperature dependence of the heat capacity of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer and its composite with thermally reduced graphene oxide was studied. The existence of a so-called “boson peak” characteristic of orientational and structural glasses was demonstrated. The boson peak appears in the form of a local maximum in the heat capacity curve displayed as C/T3 vs T at Tmax = 3.52 K. It was found that for both ABS polymer and its composite, as well as for a number of other substances of a crystalline and amorphous nature, the manifestation of the anomaly of the boson peak in the heat capacity has a universal character that is described by an empirical function Δ*. The value of Δ* depends on the magnitude of the anomaly in the heat capacity and the temperature of the boson peak manifestation. Thus, this study provides new physical information about the possible causes of the boson peak appearance in disordered materials and indicates the universality of boson peak anomaly for substances with short- and long-range order.

Experimentation and Numerical Modeling of Peak Temperature in the Weld Joint during Rotary Friction Welding of Dissimilar Plastic Rods.

Rotary friction welding (RFW) could result in lower welding temperature, energy consumption, or environmental effects as compared with fusion welding processes. RFW is a green manufacturing technology with little environmental pollution in the field of joining methods. Thus, RFW is widely employed to manufacture green products. In general, the welding quality of welded parts, such as tensile strength, bending strength, and surface hardness is affected by the peak temperature in the weld joint during the RFW of dissimilar plastic rods. However, hitherto little is known about the domain knowledge of RFW of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) polymer rods. To prevent random efforts and energy consumption, a green method to predict the peak temperature in the weld joint of dissimilar RFW of ABS and PC rods was proposed. The main objective of this work is to investigate the peak temperature in the weld joint during the RFW using COMSOL multiphysics software for establishing an empirical technical database of RFW of dissimilar polymer rods under different rotational speeds. The main findings include that the peak temperature affecting the mechanical properties of RFW of PC and ABS can be determined by the simulation model proposed in this work. The average error of predicting the peak temperature using COMSOL software for five different rotational speeds is about 15 °C. The mesh element count of 875,688 is the optimal number of meshes for predicting peak temperature in the weld joint. The bending strength of the welded part (y) using peak welding temperature (x) can be predicted by the equation of y = -0.019 x2 + 5.081x - 200.75 with a correlation coefficient of 0.8857. The average shore A surface hardness, impact energy, and bending strength of the welded parts were found to be increased with increasing the rotational speed of RFW.

Cellulose nanocrystal-assisted processing of nanocomposite filaments for fused filament fabrication

This study introduces a scalable processing technique where cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are used to integrate pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer without functionalization, solvents, or surfactants. A synergy between the nanomaterials and printed road angle was discovered, with angle ply orientation optimizing mechanical properties and longitudinal orientation improving thermal conductivity. Mechanical properties improved up to 81% in tensile strength and 95% in elastic modulus, while a 102% increase in interlaminar strength was exhibited. The thermal conductivity trend showed an anisotropy between radial and axial directions, where one could be increased while the other was diminished, with as much as 807% increase in the transverse sample. By optimizing print orientation and nanoparticle content, tailored material properties are achievable.

Thermal and tensile properties of 3D printed ABS-glass fibre, ABS-glass fibre-carbon fibre hybrid composites made by novel hybrid manufacturing technique

This study was an attempt to combine fused deposition modelling and hot press moulding technique to fabricate hybrid polymer composites using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer, woven glass fibre (GF) and woven carbon fibre (CF). The composite specimens were subjected towere subjected to mechanical and thermal characterization.Tensile strength of GF/ABS and GF/CF/ABS composite were far higher than the virgin ABS. GF/ABS composites displayedimproved thermal resistance by giving a final residue of 42.36%, followed by GF/CF/ABS hybrid composites as per the thermogravimetric analysis. Thermomechanical analysis revealed the coefficient of thermal expansion in the order: ABS > GF/ABS > GF/CF/ABS. The entropy obtained from the DSC curve was of higher value for composites than the ABS. The ABS based composites fabricated from this technique can be applicable to structural parts in the automobiles, aircrafts, shipping vessels, etc.

Effect of UV-C Radiation on 3D Printed ABS-PC Polymers.

During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities experienced severe shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies. Employing 3D printing to rapidly fabricate functional parts and equipment was one of the emergency solutions used to tackle these shortages. Using ultraviolet light in the UV-C band (wavelengths of 200 nm to 280 nm) might prove useful in sterilizing 3D printed parts, enabling their reusability. Most polymers, however, degrade under UV-C radiation, so it becomes necessary to determine what 3D printing materials can withstand the conditions found during medical equipment sterilization with UV-C. This paper analyzes the effect of accelerated aging through prolonged exposure to UV-C on the mechanical properties of parts 3D printed from a polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polymer (ABS-PC). Samples 3D printed using a material extrusion process (MEX) went through a 24-h UV-C exposure aging cycle and then were tested versus a control group for changes in tensile strength, compressive strength and some selected material creep characteristics. Testing showed minimal mechanical property degradation following the irradiation procedure, with tensile strength being statistically the same for irradiated parts as those in the control group. Irradiated parts showed small losses in stiffness (5.2%) and compressive strength (6.5%). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed in order to assess if any changes occurred in the material structure.

Greener electrochemical plating of ABS polymer with unprecedented adhesion via hierarchical micro–nanotexturing

Electrochemical plating is the most widely used coating process for metalizing commodity polymers, such as acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS). Conventionally, ABS polymer is pretreated in concentrated sulfochromic acid solution before plating to develop a highly porous surface topography that ensures coating adhesion. Unfortunately, using chromic acid produces extremely hazardous chemical waste, which costs manufacturers millions of dollars in fines. This study proposes a threefold greener route by employing a newly developed in-mold patterning of polymeric parts before plating. We hot-embossed micron-sized dimples on the ABS polymer and acid-etched it for as short as 1 min to obtain a hierarchical micro–nanotextured surface. The coating adhesion on such surfaces appeared to be two times higher as compared to the conventional electroplating, while the etching time was reduced three times. Microscopic characterization of the fracture surfaces revealed that the adhesion strength at the hierarchically structured interface exceeded the strength of the ABS polymer, causing a cohesive crack in the polymer far below the interface when peeling the plated metallic film. These results imply that the use of toxic acids in the electroplating industry can be drastically reduced by the proposed hybrid preparation method without sacrificing the coating quality.