Production of gradient composite materials based on ABS plastic using 3D printing

The benefits and advantages of using 3D gradient printing to create ABS plastic-based layered composites reinforced with carbon fibers (CF) and iron oxide nanoparticles (NP) were studied. Samples with different additive contents, as well as a gradient sample with a gradual change in composition (additive content, wt.%: 30 CF, 15 CF, 0, 5 NP, 15 NP), were 3D printed. The thermophysical, mechanical, and magnetic properties of all samples were determined, and the influence of both qualitative and quantitative composition on them was analyzed. Based on the 3D modeling and the preliminary analysis of interlayer adhesion, the need for an intermediate layer of pure polymer between the layers with CF and NPs was shown. Optimal 3D printing settings were selected, and a part with a gradient composition was manufactured and subsequently used to assemble an industrial robot. Overall, the results reveal that deliberate incorporation of various materials or additives into specific regions of a composite offers a way to realize unique combinations of its mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, tailored to specific applications.