Cellulose nanocrystal-assisted processing of nanocomposite filaments for fused filament fabrication

This study introduces a scalable processing technique where cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are used to integrate pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) polymer without functionalization, solvents, or surfactants. A synergy between the nanomaterials and printed road angle was discovered, with angle ply orientation optimizing mechanical properties and longitudinal orientation improving thermal conductivity. Mechanical properties improved up to 81% in tensile strength and 95% in elastic modulus, while a 102% increase in interlaminar strength was exhibited. The thermal conductivity trend showed an anisotropy between radial and axial directions, where one could be increased while the other was diminished, with as much as 807% increase in the transverse sample. By optimizing print orientation and nanoparticle content, tailored material properties are achievable.