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One of the key factors in manufacturing products by fused deposition molding (FDM) or layer-by-layer printing technology is the material intensity of the product. The task of reducing the amount of material required to manufacture a product without significant loss of mechanical properties is one of the most practically important technological tasks. Material saving in FDM printing of products allows to reduce financial costs and increase the speed of manufacturing of the final product without reducing (or not significantly reducing) the quality properties of the product. In our work it is demonstrated that using Combs filling type and materials of poly lactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) it is possible to achieve material savings of up to 23% at 50% filling for PLA and 17% at 75% filling for PETG without significant reduction of product strength in comparison with other filling types. Exceptions are PLA samples with 100% fill and Lateral fill. Application of Kruskal-Wallis criterion and Dunn's criterion with Bonferroni multiple comparison correction showed that there were no statistically significant differences within the strength limits of samples made by FDM printing technology from PLA and PETG plastics (p-value = 0.0514), as well as samples with Triangle and Grid filling type (p-value = 1). Based on this result, three groups of samples statistically significantly differing in ultimate strength were identified by methods of hierarchical cluster analysis; in each group (except for group 1, which included samples made of PLA plastic with Lateral filling type and 100% filling), correlation analysis was performed (Spearman correlation was used). The results of the correlation analysis showed a stable average correlation between the percentage of filling, modulus along the secant 0.05–0.2% strain, ultimate strength and strain corresponding to the yield stress. Analysis of the correlation graph showed that the main parameter correlating with all mechanical properties of the specimen is the 0.05–0.2% strain modulus. Based on this conclusion, robust regression equations predicting the 0.05–0.2% strain modulus as a function of the percentage of specimen filling were constructed for the two selected groups. Analysis of the equations showed that in the third group of specimens, the average modulus of 0.05–0.2% strain is more than twice the modulus of 0.05–0.2% strain in the second group. The detected statistical regularities can be explained by the mechanism of strain hardening, the actual value of which depends on the structure of the macrodefect (type of filling), properties and volume of the material (percentage of filling) used in the fabrication of samples using FDM printing technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights To improve the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of graphene‐acrylonitrile butadiene‐styrene plastic (ABS) composite, sub‐phosphite‐based ionic liquid (IL) was synthesized, and its structure was characterized by FTIR, NMR, and mass spectrometry. IL was as a modifier, and graphite powder (G powder) was modified by the ball milling method to obtain functional graphene thermal conductive filler (G‐IL). The structure and morphology of G‐IL were characterized by FTIR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of the Molau test showed that the presence of IL improved the interfacial interaction of G‐IL and ABS, enhanced the dispersion of G‐IL in the ABS matrix, made G‐IL contact with each other, and it was easier to establish a thermal conduction network and promote phonon transfer. The thermal conductivity of 9 wt% G‐IL/ABS composite was 0.392 W·m−1·k−1, which was 96% and 14% higher than that of pure ABS and G/ABS composite, respectively. The tensile strength and bending modulus of 9 wt% G‐IL/ABS composite were 44.89 and 2124.37 MPa, which were 13% and 11% higher than those of pure ABS, respectively. The impact strength of 9 wt% G‐IL/ABS composite was 34.17 kJ/m2. It was 18% and 7% higher than that of pure ABS and 9 wt% G‐IL/ABS, respectively. Phosphorus imidazole ionic liquids were prepared. Graphene was modified by ionic liquids through non‐covalent. Enhanced mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of G‐IL/ABS composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper utilizes the Wohler curve and the J-integral principle to predict the service life of purposely-damaged acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) specimens. The hardness of single- and double-notched specimens was measured using the J-integral, facilitating a comparison between two different types of defects. By analyzing the Wohler curve, we were able to examine the decline in the service life of the ABS specimens over various time intervals. According to the comparison, a hole with a single internal notch flaw is not as detrimental as one with two notch defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallization of polymers is a modern technique used to improve their properties by coating them with conductive, lightweight surfaces, enabling their use in many electronic and communications applications. This study examines the effect of corrosion of a copper layer deposited on two polymeric substrates, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), by flame thermal spraying. Pull off test shows the adhesion strengths between the Cu coating layers and the HDPE and ABS substrates were 1.42 and 1.94 MPa, respectively. The contact angles for the HDPE and ABS were 57.227 and 36.422ο, respectively, indicating that the ABS substrate is more wettable than the HDPE substrate. A corrosion test of the coated substrates was conducted at 27±1 °C in a solution of 3.5% NaCl. The corrosion rate was 2.763×10-2 mm/year for Cu on HDPE and 1.361×10-2 mm/year for Cu on ABS. The corrosion rate of Cu on HDPE is greater than that of Cu on ABS, indicating that the Cu coating layer on the ABS substrate is denser and less porous than that on the HDPE substrate. The corrosion products for the corroded Cu layer on HDPE were NaCl, NaOH, Cu5Zn8 and CuCl, whereas those for the corroded Cu on ABS were CuCl and Cu(OH)2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study is conducted, it researches the design, making and bypass of the drone propeller. Discovering the streamlined qualities of the different propeller designs using the computational apparatus, the software is utilized. A mini-summarized propeller having such mechanisms was fabricated and the trials done confirmed their success. Whilst the multi material approach mitigates against lightness with strength, durability will be the weakest link in that process. With weight and streamlined failures, fragility is always a factor. This assessment should aid in overhauling current drone propulsion systems, such as durability and efficiency, to enhance performance and increase persistence. The FSI system was employed to study airflow patterns using fans and stress factors by printing parts with PLA, ABS and PGA printing materials. The air was channeled over the materials, simulating actual flight, to evaluate the materials' strength. The drone model DJI MINI 3 PRO was subjected to the experimental tests of the speed and the maximum height. The height of the fan in MINI 3 PRO could be higher with the maximum speed of 37.3 km/h and it would be 187 meters in MINI 2 PRO concerning this aspect. ABS material speeds and jumps higher than the PGA material. It turns out that the 3 PRO propeller fans have the highest thrust force of 5.1 m/s at the highest speed, which is different from the 2 PRO propeller fan that measures only 3.2 m/s. The 3 experiences 0.155 mm distortion, whereas the 2 produced 0.103 mm. PLA material has the least value of influence among all. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTScientific advances and technological requirements to develop carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRP) with excellent strength-to-weight ratios led to the high consumption of CFRP composites. The mechanical recycling of CFRP is a simpler, more economical, and environmentally responsible solution for effectively recovering this structural material that contains epoxy resin and carbon fibre. CFRP laminates were placed on a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and milling cutting at 1100, 1800, and 2500 rpm. The recovered CFRP particles were mixed with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) using the melt intercalation approach. Recovered CFRP particles increased the molecular mobility and reduced the thermal stability of ABS. The main differences between the ABS and the composites were a more pronounced necking region in the ABS than in the composites and a notable reduction in strain. The strain of the ABS was 27.58%, while in the composites, it was 4.29, 4.02, and 3.51%, depending on the cutting speed. Thus, ductility decreased up to 87% in the composites. This work’s successful CFRP mechanical recycling method provides epoxy powder, individual carbon fibres, and CFRP particles, opening a research field of great economic and environmental relevance in developing new materials.

In anti-lock brake systems (ABS), the primary goal of the controller is to maximize vehicle deceleration by maintaining the slip ratio at an optimal level. This work presents a fresh approach that enhances ABS performance by integrating a sliding mode controller with a barrier function. This method combines integral sliding mode control with adaptive laws informed by barrier functions, effectively managing external disturbances and uncertainties in inertia. A significant benefit of this approach is that it does not require prior knowledge of the upper limits of these uncertainties and disturbances, thanks to the barrier function-based sliding mode control. The system state is initially aligned with the switching manifold, ensuring robust compensation for any uncertainties and disturbances right from the start of braking. During the sliding mode phase, dynamic properties are finely tuned to ensure that the system’s performance remains consistent. The effectiveness and reliability of the proposed controller have been demonstrated through numerical simulations conducted in MATLAB/Simulink, proving its capability across a range of road conditions.

Abstract One of the key factors in manufacturing products by fused deposition molding (FDM) or layer-by-layer printing technology is the material intensity of the product. The task of reducing the amount of material required to manufacture a product without significant loss of mechanical properties is one of the most practically important technological tasks. Material saving in FDM printing of products allows to reduce financial costs and increase the speed of manufacturing of the final product without reducing (or not significantly reducing) the quality properties of the product. In our work it is demonstrated that using Combs filling type and materials of poly lactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) it is possible to achieve material savings of up to 23% at 50% filling for PLA and 17% at 75% filling for PETG without significant reduction of product strength in comparison with other filling types. Exceptions are PLA samples with 100% fill and Lateral fill. Application of Kruskal-Wallis criterion and Dunn’s criterion with Bonferroni multiple comparison correction showed that there were no statistically significant differences within the strength limits of samples made by FDM printing technology from PLA and PETG plastics (p-value = 0.0514), as well as samples with Triangle and Grid filling type (p-value = 1). Based on this result, three groups of samples statistically significantly differing in ultimate strength were identified by methods of hierarchical cluster analysis; in each group (except for group 1, which included samples made of PLA plastic with Lateral filling type and 100% filling), correlation analysis was performed (Spearman correlation was used). The results of the correlation analysis showed a stable average correlation between the percentage of filling, modulus along the secant 0.05–0.2% strain, ultimate strength and strain corresponding to the yield stress. Analysis of the correlation graph showed that the main parameter correlating with all mechanical properties of the specimen is the 0.05–0.2% strain modulus. Based on this conclusion, robust regression equations predicting the 0.05–0.2% strain modulus as a function of the percentage of specimen filling were constructed for the two selected groups. Analysis of the equations showed that in the third group of specimens, the average modulus of 0.05–0.2% strain is more than twice the modulus of 0.05–0.2% strain in the second group. The detected statistical regularities can be explained by the mechanism of strain hardening, the actual value of which depends on the structure of the macrodefect (type of filling), properties and volume of the material (percentage of filling) used in the fabrication of samples using FDM printing technology.

The implementation of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has culminated in a notable rise in productivity and operational effectiveness for manufacturers. Additive manufacturing (AM) is a manufacturing technology that implies an alteration from the conventional approach of material removal. The fundamental idea underlying the AM technique is the gradual buildup of layers (layer-on-layer accumulation). In conventional approaches, every component can have detrimental implications due to the direct interaction between the tool and the workpiece, leading to the loss of heat through friction. The utilisation of 3D printing as a way to surpass conventional processing methods signifies a novel development in several sectors. This method involves the utilisation of unconventional techniques for the fabrication of components. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the chemical vapour jet drilling technique specifically applied to acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) materials. The intent is to enhance the surface characteristics, or surface finish (SF), and the dimensional accuracy (DA) of ABS workpieces. An evaluation regarding the reliability, repeatability, as well as preciseness of the vapour jet drilling (VJD) process is conducted via the utilisation of experiment and data analysis. The study employed a Taguchi L9 design of experiments to carry out a series of tests aimed at analysing the implications of three independent variables: pressure, flow rate, and standoff distance. The researchers employed a multiresponse optimisation approach to attain an optimal combination of parameters that resulted in a superior SF with DA. Consequently, the overall appeal of the outcome was reached. The process’s capabilities and dependability were assessed by conducting tests on the substrates at their optimal settings. Surface roughness and circularity were measured at numerous locations on the substrates. The study determined that the process capability indices (C p and C pk) had values over 1.33 for each of the response parameters, with C pk values also exceeding 1. The analysis of histograms and capability indices demonstrates that the VJD method, when conducted under optimised conditions, may be categorised as statistically controlled for the processing of ABS materials.

Bonsai is a kind of classical art in China and Japan. The traditional method of bonsai shaping of miniature trees is technical and usually requires experienced horticulturists to successfully carry out the process. In order to let ordinary people feel the fun of bonsai shaping, this paper proposes a fast bonsai shaping method, i.e., by use of a plastic guiding mold with customized shape, which is processed by fused deposition 3D printing technology. The tree seedling is bundled onto the mold, and the shape of the mold guides the growth of the tree seedling, thus achieving the purpose of bonsai shaping. In order to further improve the bending properties of the bonsai guiding mold, this paper investigated the main 3D printing parameters of ABS filament. The results showed that with the decrease of printing speed, the increase of extrusion temperature, and the increase of hot bed temperature, the bending strength and elastic modulus of ABS specimens increased, and the bending properties was enhanced; the optimal printing speed was 50 mm/s, the extrusion temperature was 230 °C, and the hot bed temperature was 80 °C. The mechanical properties of the bonsai guiding mold manufactured based on the optimal process parameters were better, the print quality was higher, and it had high practical value.

The rapid and solid joining of thermoplastic to metal is of great significance for structural lightweighting. A thermoplastic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and laser textured 5052 Al is joined by ultrasonic welding with longitude wave in this study. Influence of the texturing type on microstructure and joint strength are investigated. Experimental results showed that the texturing type was a major factor in joint strength, and the mesh array was superior than circular hole array in terms of joint strength. The maximum joint strength of 17.87 MPa was obtained in L1, which was about 2.4 times and 3.6 times of these other two cases. Interfacial and cohesive failure mode was observed, and the fracture surface can be divided into four different parts: light black mark Region Ⅰ, transitional Region Ⅱ, Region Ⅲ with dense residues, and porous structure Region Ⅳ. The joint strength increased with the increase of Regions Ⅱ and Ⅲ while dropped with the occurrence of Region Ⅳ. Thermal decomposition of ABS composite resulted from the high temperature during welding process was responsible for the formation of Region Ⅳ. The joining mechanism in UW of ABS to laser textured 5052 Al was mechanical interlocking. Successful joining of ABS/Al hybrid structure by ultrasonic welding appears to be a reliable and potential technique for industrial applications.

As a typical 3D printing process, fused filament fabrication still has disadvantages when operating on manufacturing lines due to the non-uniform textures of the oriented surfaces of the 3D-printed components. This work investigates the effects of structural parameters, i.e., orientations angle, ABS and PLA materials, three different layer thicknesses, three different perimeters, and three different infill rates utilizing a balanced modified Taguchi experimental design and 63 different parametric combinations to characterize the surface roughness parameters: average Ra, mean roughness depth Rz, root mean square Rq, skewness Rsk, and kurtosis Rku. The analysis of the experimental results, i.e., the levels mean values analysis plots and linear residual analysis of variances, showed that the layer thickness strongly influences all surface parameters and interacts considerably with all orientations. In contrast, material type, number of perimeters, and infill rate had insignificant impacts on surface roughness parameters. Finally, the additive linear modelling approach was utilized and validated for proper predictions, making it helpful for surface engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Disposing of non-biodegradable conventional polymers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) is a severe environmental problem across the globe. ABS, a non-biodegradable polymer, is widely used for producing auto components, home appliances, electronic goods, etc., but it is not environment friendly. Therefore, there is a pressing need to develop biodegradable polymers as an alternative to non-biodegradable polymer materials. This paper aims to offer blended bio-based polylactic-acid (PLA) polymer with ABS for engineering applications to minimize the consumption of virgin petroleum-based ABS polymer. The effort is to ascertain the best-suited composition of ABS/PLA blended polymer with excellent thermal and mechanical properties. The five specimens of blended ABS/PLA polymers have been prepared using four compositions (80/20, 60/40, 40/60, and 20/80) using the material extrusion (MEX) 3D printing process and assessed for mechanical and thermal properties. The tensile strength and MFR of the ABS/PLA blend increased by 8.75 and 124.35%, respectively, with ABS/PLA polymers having a 20/80 wt.% composition. The thermal analysis of blends with varying blend compositions using DSC and FTIR have shown partial compatibility between ABS and PLA polymers. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of tensile fractured specimens has been analyzed to support the evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulating polymer blends is of vital scientific and industrial interest because of their low cost and the possibility of producing new materials with tailored properties. In this research, polypropylene (PP)/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) polymer blends were prepared using styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) and styrene-ethylene-propylene (SEP) copolymers. The polymer blends were extruded and injection molded to evaluate the mechanical, rheological, thermal, and thermomechanical properties, infrared spectroscopy, and morphology. Incorporating SEBS and SEP copolymers into the PP/ABS blend increased the torque and reduced the melt flow index, indicating higher viscosity than the PP/ABS base system. As a result, improved compatibility of PP/ABS/SEBS and PP/ABS/SEP blends was achieved, thereby improving the mechanical properties of PP/ABS. However, the SEBS copolymer was more effective. Compared to neat PP, the PP/ABS/SEBS blend with 15% SEBS showed increases in impact strength, elongation at break, and heat deflection temperature (HDT) of 87%, 107%, and 7%, respectively. In addition, the elastic modulus and Shore D hardness were in line with neat PP, and thermal stability measured through thermogravimetry exceeded that of PP by 8 °C. Evidence of fractured ABS particles in the PP matrix was seen in the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) morphology, suggesting that SEBS migrated to the interface. SEBS also remained dispersed in the PP matrix, as confirmed by selective phase extraction, which favored a synergic effect of properties in the PP/ABS/SEBS blend (70/15/15%). This blend offered potential for applications such as toys, furniture accessories, packaging, and housewares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the type of changes in the structure and mechanical properties of 3D printed shapes under the influence of mineral oil. The effects of a room (23 °C) and elevated temperature (70 °C) on 3D prints manufactured by the FDM method and stored in oil for 15, 30, and 60 days on the change of properties and structure were investigated. The samples were produced from ABS (poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene)), ASA (poly(acrylonitrile-co-styrene-co-acrylate), PLA (poly(lactic acid)), and HIPS (high-impact polystyrene). Tests related to the strength of the materials, such as the static tensile test and Charpy impact test, were carried out. The structure was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope, and changes in chemical structure were determined by conducting FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) tests. The analysis of the results provided important information about the impact of mineral oil on specific materials. This is critical for designing and manufacturing components that can withstand mineral oil exposure in real-world environments. The materials underwent varying changes. Strength increased for PLA by about 28%, remained unchanged for ABS and HIPS during exposure for 30 days, and decreased for ASA with extended exposure up to 14%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasonic welding (USW) of thermoplastics plays a significant role in the automobile industry. In this study, the effect of the welding time on the joint strength of ultrasonically welded acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and the weld formation mechanism were investigated. The results showed that the peak load firstly increased to a maximum value of 3.4 kN and then dropped with further extension of the welding time, whereas the weld area increased continuously until reaching a plateau. The optimal welding variables for the USW of ABS were a welding time of 1.3 s with a welding pressure of 0.13 MPa. Interfacial failure and workpiece breakage were the main failure modes of the joints. The application of real-time horn displacement into a finite element model could improve the simulation accuracy of weld formation. The simulated results were close to the experimental results, and the welding process of the USW of ABS made with a 1.7 s welding time can be divided into five phases based on the amplitude and horn displacement change: weld initiation (Phase I), horn retraction (Phase II), melt-and-flow equilibrium (Phase III), horn indentation and squeeze out (Phase IV) and weld solidification (Phase V). Obvious pores emerged during Phase IV, owing to the thermal decomposition of the ABS. This study yielded a fundamental understanding of the USW of ABS and provides a theoretical basis and technological support for further application and promotion of other ultrasonically welded thermoplastic composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has emerged as extremely benign materials for next-generation manufacturing using additive manufacturing processes due to its favorable mechanical properties, durability, and as well as biocompatibility. However, the lack of stiffness of TPU affects its buckling strength and performance efficiency. Therefore, an efficient method of optimization of a 3D-printable composition of TPU-based blends is necessary. In this work, attempts were made to explore material extrusion additive manufacturing technique of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS)/TPU blends with particular reference to mechanical and damping behaviour. Design of experiment (DoE) was used to determine the optimum printing parameters. Rheological studies were exploited to understand the printability, and optimum 3D-printable blend composition. The damping behaviour of each blend composition was calculated and a damping ratio (ξ) between 1 ≤ ξ ≤ 2 was observed for 40 wt% ABS loading, which raised to 1 ≤ ξ ≤ 4 for 80 wt% ABS loaded blend specimen. Furthermore, for ABS incorporated TPU, a significant enhancement of stiffness over neat TPU was achieved, thereby reasonably addressing the filament stiffness issue. This work introduces an efficient method of improving TPU filament printability while parallelly identifying the printable blend composition which can be beneficial for several potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the design of plastic solutions for electronic relays, the maximum deformation after injection molding is a key parameter that needs to be controlled. This article conducts a simulation study on the injection molding and deformation of an ABS electronic relay housing. Obtain the optimal gate position through flow resistance and gate matching analysis, and establish a hot runner system based on this. Orthogonal test analysis shows that for deformation, the influence of holding time is extremely significant, the influence of barrel temperature and mold cavity temperature is significant, and the influence of injection time is not significant. The optimized process parameter combination A2B3C1D3 (mold cavity temperature 45 °C, barrel temperature 250 °C, holding time 14 s, and injection time 0.9 s)was obtained by observing the curve of maximum deformation changing with the process level. The simulation verification of the optimized process found that the maximum deformation was reduced from 0.341 0 mm to 0.212 8 mm, with an optimization rate of 37.6%, and the filling state, appearance, injection pressure all met the requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Printability and interlayer adhesion are the most critical issues in 3D printing of immiscible polymer blends. It can affect structural integrity and mechanical performance of the printed parts. In this work, an effective strategy to improve the printability and interlayer adhesion of immiscible acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene/polypropylene (ABS/PP) blends was implemented by introducing styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene copolymer grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS‐g‐MA) as a compatibilizer. The printability of the developed blends was investigated using rheological properties such as absolute value of complex viscosity, loss tangent and die‐swell ratio. Interestingly, it was found that the additive manufactured blends with 20 wt% SEBS‐g‐MA loading showed improved interlaminar shear strength, impact strength, Young's modulus and toughness as compared with the pure blend. Fractography analysis revealed that two different possible failure mechanisms, interface and matrix failure were apparent in the 3D printed samples with and without SEBS‐g‐MA content. This work provides a promising pathway to fabricate the complex structures from polymer blends with improved mechanical properties and surface finish. Highlights: This study demonstrated improved interlayer adhesion at the printed interface of immiscible ABS/PP blends in presence of SEBS‐g‐MA.The printability of the developed blends was predicted from rheological properties.Additive manufactured blends with SEBS‐g‐MA loading showed improved mechanical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is focused on the application of 3D-printed elements and conventional elements to create a prototype of a custom-made exoskeleton for lower limb rehabilitation. The 3D-printed elements were produced by using Fused Deposition Modeling technology and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material. The scope of this work involved the design and construction of an exoskeleton, experimental testing of the ABS material and numerical research by using the finite element method. On the basis of the obtained results, it was possible to deduce whether the load-bearing 3D-printed elements can be used in the proposed mechanical construction. The work contains full data of the material models used in FEM modeling, taking into account the orthotropic properties of the ABS material. Various types of finite elements were used in the presented FE models. The work is a comprehensive combination of material testing issues with the possibility of implementing the obtained results in numerical strength models of machine parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of polymers is desirable in the industries where weight reduction and corrosion resistance are required, such as in the automotive industry where weight reduction directly relates to fuel conservation. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a type of polymer used in aerospace, railway, automotive, and consumer goods industries. This research article investigates the use of friction stir welding (FSW) to join ABS polymer. Compared to traditional metal-based products, polymers offer better formability, design flexibility, and ease of processing. The process parameters were optimized based on tensile strength using Taguchi's L18 orthogonal array (OA). A maximum tensile strength of 19.4 MPa was obtained at a tool rotational speed of 224 rpm, a tool travel speed of 40 mm/min, external heat of 45 °C, and a tool shoulder diameter of 16 mm. Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze the microstructural characteristics, while Vickers microhardness tester and tensometer were used to examine the mechanical properties. The strength of the joint was affected due to the butadiene rubber particles breaking or weakening in the stir zone). Moreover, to identify the location of failure, three additional tensile coupons were taken from Experiment No. 13, and a 1-mm-deep notch was machined in all of them at the Center, AS, and RS. The findings revealed that the tensile coupon with the notch at RS had a tensile strength of 19.4 MPa, which is 60% relative to the base material. The retreating side of Experiment No. 13 exhibited a Vickers microhardness of 14.3 HV, which was higher than the base material's Vickers microhardness of 13.8 HV, indicating that it became harder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a commonly used copolymer. It is widely employed, especially in additive manufacturing (AM), a newly developed and open-ended production method. It can be used in medical applications due to its biocompatible behaviour and performance characteristics. Though there are a few disadvantages of the AM, improving the sample's mechanical properties are possible by applying pre-processing to the filament (dehumidification) or choosing the correct printing parameters. Nevertheless, surface quality is limited regardless of the mechanical properties and printing parameters. For this reason, finishing, called post-processing, is often preferred. ABS post-process application is made with an acetone vapour atmosphere. However, this application is a chemical process. This chemical process could change the properties of the ABS sample. This paper investigates the effect of post-processing on the ABS sample. According to reference samples, the change in porosity values was measured from 30 to 60%. In addition, as the post-processing time increased, the hue of the samples shifted from yellow to blue and from dark to light. Further, increased acetone vapour exposure decreased the bending and tensile test results. The impact of acetone vapour exposure on the toughness of ABS polymer has yielded conflicting results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vehicle mobility is an increasingly important issue today, even in the military field. Mobility depends on the condition of the vehicle, the route and, of course, the experience of the driver. Vehicle failures and damage are very common in military operations. It is therefore important to find out how these failures and damage can affect mobility. One of the essential parts of a vehicle is the braking system. The authors therefore decided to investigate what is the effect of a malfunctioning brake system on emergency braking behaviour of a special vehicle in a curvilinear movement. Simulation tests were performed based on an experimentally validated model. The tests were performed with a wheeled vehicle on three different surfaces: concrete, wet asphalt, and ice. The experimental conditions were given as follows – the braking process was considered for a braking system with ABS on and off and for two states of braking system sufficiency (8 braked wheels or 4 rear braked wheels). These tests allowed us to analyse the effect of the extent of the damage on safety, in this case the stopping of the vehicle on a specified curved route. The results of braking and stability on different surfaces and under given conditions are evaluated and described in this paper. On the basis of the results, it is possible to prepare training programmes (scenarios) for drivers of special vehicles for the purpose of driving techniques in critical situations.

Access and benefit-sharing (ABS) arising from the utilization of biodiversity’s genetic resources and traditional knowledge is the third objective of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Since its inception, some parties to the CBD have enacted ABS-national legislation and in 2014, the Nagoya Protocol came into force, providing a global standard among ABS systems. Given this, Brazil has been working to implement ABS since 2001, especially after the enactment of the national Biodiversity Law (Law 13.123/2015), which is the domestic law for the Nagoya Protocol implementation. This paper examines how the implementation of ABS and the Nagoya Protocol is viewed, discussed and debated by some stakeholders. Based on qualitative semi-structured interviews, press releases, public declarations, legislation and grey literature, the paper reveals that although ABS has faced strong criticism and delivered modest results, most stakeholders consider it strategic and important, especially in the face of the bioeconomy–biodiversity nexus. In general, positions on the implementation of ABS policies and the Nagoya Protocol in Brazil can be devised in the following categories: 1) acceptance and optimistic appreciation of ABS, 2) acceptance of ABS mechanisms but impending need for adjustments, 3) acceptance of ABS mechanisms as a ‘bad with it, worse without it’ scenario, and 4) rejection of ABS. Our research also shows that when it comes to ABS and providers of genetic resources, debates centred on the topic of biopiracy have declined, while debates characterized by compromise, institutionalization and the steering of ABS via the implementation process are on the rise.

Unconventional injection methods include i.e. blowing injection that allows for production of moldings with a lower weight while maintaining mechanical properties of detail. Due to the fact that most polymers are dyed at the processing stage, it is important to examine the simultaneous effect of blowing and colorbatch, as well as variable processing conditions, on the functional properties of moldings made of the most popular construction material, i.e. ABS. Samples were made of ABS polymer without and with the addition of a colorbatch containing brown pigment on ABS matrix, and blowing agent. Variable processing conditions were: mold and injection temperature, holding pressure and time. Other parameters were constant. Samples were tested for basic functional properties such as color, gloss, mass, density and thickness. Moldings produced with a higher blowing agent content and a higher injection temperature were characterized by lower mass. No significant influence of processing parameters and content of colorbatch on mass of samples was found. Blowing agent has no significant impact on thickness of moldings, regardless of processing conditions. Addition of a colorbatch influenced samples’ gloss. Increase in colorbatch and blowing agent content and mold temperature allow to obtain moldings with a higher surface gloss. Colorbatch also changed color of samples – a decrease in luminance L even by about 40% and great changes in parameters “a” and slight changes in parameter “b”. It was found that blowing agent content had the greatest influence on density of moldings. Injection temperature and colorbatch, do not significantly affect density of moldings.

In this work, the incorporation of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and polyphenylene ether-grafted maleic anhydride copolymer (FB) into acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)/polyphenylene oxide (PPO) blend has been investigated to enhance the compatibility and performance of the blends. ABS/PPO blend (AP) with the weight ratio of ABS/PPO = 70/30 with 5 wt% loading of FB and different weight contents of HNTs were elaborated by melt blending process, and their properties were studied. The SEM observation revealed that AP blend exhibited dispersed phases of PPO droplets with apparent gaps between PPO and ABS phases, indicating poor adhesion between the polymers in the blend. As the compatibilizer, FB effectively enhanced the inter-phase interaction, minimizing the formation of interfacial gaps, evidenced by the SEM images, leading to the adhesion between ABS, PPO, and HNTs phases. As a result, the mechanical performance of the AP blend was significantly improved with the addition of FB and HNTs. At 5 wt% of HNT, the AP/FB/HNT blend exhibited the tensile strength of 37.47 MPa and flexural strength of 59.09 MPa compared to 26.60 MPa and 39.45 MPa of neat AP, respectively. The glass transition temperature of the modified blends showed shifts compared to the neat AP, which indicates the improvement in miscibility of the modified-AP blends. The thermal stability and flame resistance of the blends were also enhanced with the introduction of HNTs and FB, evidenced by the V-1 rating in the UL-94 test and the increase in limiting oxygen index (LOI). These results demonstrated that the incorporation of HNTs and FB is a promising and straightforward method to improve the properties of ABS/PPO blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocomposites 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the influence of two key printing parameters--namely, layer thickness and infill percentage and also the annealing effect, on the hardness of PLA and ABS components. Employing the design of experiment (DOE) methodology, the most significant factor influencing the Shore D hardness values for each material was established, in addition to determining the optimal printing parameters that yield maximum hardness in the printed parts. Our findings reveal that layer thickness significantly impacts the hardness of 3D printed PLA and ABS specimens, with printing infill percentage exerting a comparatively smaller influence, while in case of PLA annealed samples, the most significant factor is infill percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a self-lubricating composite was manufactured using a novel hybrid 3D printing/in situ spraying process that involved the printing of an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) matrix using fused deposition modeling (FDM), along with the in situ spraying of alumina (Al2O3) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) reinforcements during 3D printing. The results revealed that the addition of the reinforcement induced an extensive formation of micropores throughout the ABS structure. Under tensile-loading conditions, the mechanical strength and cohesive interlayer bonding of the composites were diminished due to the presence of these micropores. However, under tribological conditions, the presence of the Al2O3 and hBN reinforcement improved the frictional resistance of ABS in extreme loading conditions. This improvement in frictional resistance was attributed to the ability of the Al2O3 reinforcement to support the external tribo-load and the shearing-like ability of hBN reinforcement during sliding. Collectively, this work provides novel insights into the possibility of designing tribologically robust ABS components through the addition of in situ-sprayed ceramic and solid-lubricant reinforcements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of polymer products in transportation and almost all sectors is a distinctive sign of the current decade. On-site repair of defects along the spatial path are important advantages of a portable welding and repair system. The current article presented an in-house developed pneumatically powered portable set-up and tool for defect repair based on friction stir welding (FSW). The suggested tool can be used for welding polymer products such as car bumpers, motorboats, and polymer vessels. Further, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer specimens were joined by FSW and friction stir spot welding (FSSW), and the maximum temperature was monitored. FSW process parameters: rotational speed and traversing velocity, and FSSW parameter: rotational speed and dwell time, were varied, and the design of experiment-based investigations was carried out. Response surface method (RSM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyse the results. The acceptable results were obtained for rotational speed of less than or equal to 1100 rpm and welding velocity lower than 6.5 mm/min (for FSW). Good quality welds were obtained for dwell time equal to or higher than 25 s (for FSSW). The preferred temperature for a good quality weld was found to be 105°C in both processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the effects of sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) on the wettability of the surface of the two most common recycled plastics in refrigeration equipment: HIPS (high-impact polystyrene) and ABS (acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene). These plastics, in the form of flakes, were identified on the basis of their FTIR spectra, and then, they were subjected to a study of contact angles using the sessile droplet method. The solutions for the angle analysis included tap water with the addition of SLES. The results of this study showed that at SLES concentrations of 0.1 g/L and 0.2 g/L, the differences in the contact angles for HIPS and ABS were 10.76° and 10.10°, respectively. This research confirmed the potential of using SLES as a support for the flotation separation of plastics with similar densities and surface characteristics, such as HIPS and ABS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of parameters of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene composites reinforced with carbon fabricated by fused deposition modeling was studied in this work. Parameters like infill density, raster angle, layer thickness, and printing parameters are varied and their influence on mechanical properties was analyzed experimentally. Experiments were planned by the design of experiments technique and mathematical equations were generated to analyze the impact of these parameters. ANOVA is involved to ensure the validity of the mathematical equations. The mechanism of the fractured samples was studied using scanning electron microscopy. The tensile strength of ABS/carbon fiber composites ranges from 21.74 to 28.09 N/mm2, while the flexural strength ranges from 2.62 to 3.14 N/mm2 and the impact strength ranges from 3.66 to 5.19 kJ/m2. The fracture of composites is characterized by cavities, infill gaps, bonding, dimples, tearing debonding of fiber, crack, delamination, shearing, crack, and fiber protrusion. The nature of failure varied from ductile to brittle depending upon the change in process parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]