Investigation of the effects of TiO 2 nanoparticles and infill patterns on the mechanical properties of 3D-printed antibacterial ABS/TiO 2 nanocomposites

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of antibacterial TiO₂ nanoparticles on ABS/TiO₂ nanocomposites. To achieve this, varying amounts of TiO₂ nanoparticles and ABS granules were blended and extruded into ABS/TiO₂ nanocomposite filaments at an optimal temperature. The resulting components were printed using Fused filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers in diverse infill patterns. The study analyzed how sample preparation conditions, such as TiO₂ percentage, infill density, and pattern, affected the mechanical properties of the printed ABS/TiO₂ nanocomposite samples. Findings revealed a uniform distribution of nanoparticles within the polymeric matrix at all concentrations. Mechanical properties decreased when TiO₂ content surpassed 5 wt%. The flexural strength of all specimens remained largely constant. In comparison to pure ABS, the TiO₂ nanocomposite with 5 wt% TiO₂ showed enhanced flexural strength, modulus, and toughness, with increases of 11.82%, 16.82%, and 21.86%, respectively.