On the improved mechanical properties of nanoclay reinforced ABS composite for fused deposition modelling

Due to the restrictions imposed by the availability of materials in fused deposition modelling process (FDM), the achieved mechanical properties of FDM parts are limited. This scarceness leads to a critical need for improving the mechanical properties of FDM parts. The incorporation of nanoclay can effectively improve the mechanical properties of polymeric materials used in FDM. The present study investigates the FDM of clay-based polymer nanocomposite and examines the effect of dual extrusion in part fabrication. Incorporation of nanoclay demonstrated significant improvement in tensile, modulus and compressive strength as 14.5%, 21% and 24% respectively. A substantial increase in modulus and compressive behaviour was observed in hybrid parts. The developed material possesses enhanced properties compared to the virgin polymer and can be used effectively as an alternative material for FDM process. Dual extrusion technique can aid to tailor material properties as per the requirements in FDM parts.