3D Printing and Evaluation of Novel Nano-graphene Containing ABS Thermoplastics

Novel Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) materials melt-blended with 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% XGnP™ M5 graphene nanoplatelets were fabricated into 1.75 mm diameter filament for 3D printing in order to ascertain how strength and toughness of 3D-printed ABS may be affected by M5 addition. Compared to the unmodified ABS, 3D- printed ABS composites containing M5 were determined to have roughly twice the modulus without an unacceptable decrease in toughness. Samples were characterized for molecular weight, AN level, rubber content, and melt rheology. Material and 3D printing variables were assessed. 3D printing patterns (0/90 and 45/45) were selected in order to determine their influences on toughness, tensile and dynamic mechanical properties. Test bars fabricated to shape by 3D printing were compared with analogous bars milled to the identical shape to measure the differences in the resulting physical properties. Generally, the properties for the as-printed tensile samples were found to be inferior to the milled equivalents.