Characterization of 3D-printed acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene with nanoparticles

In addition to being used to produce prototypes rapidly, three-dimensional (3D) printing is now being used in the fabrication of functional materials, such as capsule hotels and energy-saving youth apartments, which can be manufactured through 3D printing at a cost advantage. Due to the small internal space and high-density arrangements of capsule hotels, the antistatic, fireproofing and electromagnetic shielding properties of the construction materials are important. Furthermore, an outdoor-type capsule hotel requires significant toughness (impact strength) to cope with unexpected events. In this study, a natural serpentinite was ground into nanopowder and added into fireproof acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastic material to 3D-print test specimens. Then, the hardness, tensile strength, impact strength and antistatic and electromagnetic properties of the mineral particle-reinforced ABS plastic were investigated. The experimental results showed that adding 3 wt.% sintered magnesium silicate–iron nanopowder into the ABS plastic to form ABS materials (ABSM) resulted in a higher degree of hardness and improved wear resistance, tensile strength and impact strength. After 3D printing, the ABSM molecular bonding characteristics showed no significant change (fireproofing was maintained), as examined through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. However, the antistatic force and electromagnetic shielding both increased significantly. Accordingly, ABSM can be used to enhance public safety and health.