Tribology of 3D Printed Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Polymer

Abstract

It has been discovered that polymers can play an essential role in tribo-systems due to their remarkable physico-technical attributes. These attributes include their ability to resist deformation,attenuate vibrations and allied energies, as well as their resilience against friction and wear but not limited to. Among thermoplastic polymers, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), belonging to the styrene ter-polymer family, is frequently used in the construction of durable automotive parts, resilient household appliances, and robust electronic enclosures. This research investigates the tribological performance of 3D-printed PETG and ABS materials reinforced with varying concentrations of carbon fibers (CF) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), tested at loads of 30N and 50N. The study also examines the effect of build orientation on the wear rate of the 3D-printed specimens. The findings highlight the superior attributes of reinforcement, particularly with carbon fibers, in achieving enhanced wear resistance properties.