Investigation on Wear Behavior of 3D Printed PETG and ABS Hybrid Polymer Composites

Currently, polymers play a crucial role in tribo-systems, thanks to their outstanding physical attributes, including the ability to dampen vibration and energy, as well as resilience to corrosive and contaminated environments. These versatile materials find applications in various automotive components like seat backs, interior doors, fender aprons and even in airplane cabins. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), a thermoplastic polymer from the styrene ter-polymer family, stands out as one of the most frequently employed materials in engineering applications. Another notable thermoplastic polymer is PETG, known for its affordability, ease of production, and semi-crystalline nature. Despite being user-friendly for printing, PLA lacks the strength of ABS, which is preferred for items requiring enhanced durability. When prioritizing food safety, PETG becomes a preferred choice due to its excellent material qualities, despite potential challenges in the printing process. This study investigates the tribological behavior of PETG and ABS materials manufactured through 3D printing and reinforced with varying amounts of carbon fibers (CF) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The findings highlight improved wear resistance properties with the addition of reinforcements, particularly carbon fibers, showcasing their superior properties. The study aims to provide insights into how these materials contribute to refining polymer properties, emphasizing the positive impact of reinforcement on wear resistance