Tribological properties of layered silicate nanoparticle filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) nanocomposite produced using 3D printing

Tribological properties of layered silicate nanoparticle-filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) nanocomposite have been investigated. The nanocomposite spur gear was developed by infusing different weight percentages of nanoclay (0-2 wt.%) on each printed ABS layer using an additive manufacturing 3D procedure. A square panel of 12 layers with varying weight percentages of nanoclay was created using a 3D printer. The effect of nanoclay loading and different sliding distances (122.5 m, 800 m, and 2000 m) on the wear and friction properties conducted at parallel and transverse layer orientation of nanocomposite were investigated. The results show that the loading nanoclay improved tribological properties of 3D printed ABS nanocomposite and spur gear with 2 wt.% nanoclay offered a low wear rate and adequate coefficient of friction irrespective of the abrasion layer orientation. SEM images showed a uniform homogeneous dispersion of nanoclay strongly bonded with the matrix, which produced an interlocking layered structural formation resulting in less wear rate and a stable coefficient of friction. These tribological properties suggested materials that may be positively used for gear applications.

Automated summary

The tribological properties of layered silicate nanoparticle-filled acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) nanocomposite were investigated. The nanocomposite spur gear was developed by infusing different weight percentages of nanoclay on each printed ABS layer. The effect of nanoclay loading and different sliding distances on the wear and friction properties of the nanocomposite at different layer orientations was studied. The results showed that loading nanoclay improved the tribological properties of the nanocomposite and the gear with 2 wt.% nanoclay exhibited low wear rate and stable coefficient of friction.