Chemical and Mechanical Analysis of Recycling 3D Printing ABS

Maynard, Zachary

Student Work

Chemical and Mechanical Analysis of Recycling 3D Printing ABS

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3D printing technologies allows for rapid prototyping using extruded polymers to create complex shapes. The nature of 3D printing creates waste in the form of failed parts and support material. Recycling the waste from 3D printing reduces the cost of production and lowers the amount of polymers entering the environment. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is common in both 3D printing and larger scale manufacturing, which is the focus of this research. Recycling ABS in 3D printing additionally gives insight into larger scale recycling. Samples were created with 3D printing to be tested and recycled with thermomechanical extrusion. The recycled ABS was then printed and tested again to analysis mechanical and chemical differences. Mechanical testing included Tension Testing and Density Measurements, with chemical analysis being conducted with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Melt Flow Index testing. Recycling the ABS polymer caused ultimate strength and Young’s Modulus to decrease, with the elongation before break and fracture strain to increase. Chemical analysis revealed reductions in absorption peaks from the breaking of bonds and chemical reactions yielding IR inactive species. Melt Flow Index testing demonstrated a decrease in viscosity. The change to the ABS polymer after recycling does have worse properties than virgin material. The use of recycled ABS in blends is still viable for manufacturing at any scale. Tests into the additives and the effect of further recycling will improve the understanding as to the ways that recycled ABS can be used.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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