Tribological Characterization and Hardness Analysis of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Composites Reinforced with Titanium Dioxide and Tungsten (ABS/TiO2W)

In pursuit of materials that contribute to the reduction of power consumption and carbon emissions, the tribological properties of composites in automotive, aerospace, and power generation applications have become increasingly critical.This research examines the tribology of a novel Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) composite, synthesized through an innovative solvent-assisted fluidization process.This technique involved swelling polymer pellets in acetone, followed by reinforcement with dual additives, Titanium Dioxide and Tungsten (TiO2W), in varying weight percentages (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%).Experimental analysis revealed that the incorporation of these additives enhanced the material's Shore D hardness, with a peak value of 78 achieved at a 5% reinforcement level.Tribological assessments conducted with a tribometer under a constant sliding velocity of 0.5 m/s and a normal load of 10 Newtons over a 500-meter distance indicated that the addition of 2.5% TiO2W to the ABS matrix resulted in the lowest mass wear rate (2×10 -7 g/Nm) and a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.191.These findings suggest that the strategic inclusion of TiO2W additives into ABS composites can significantly improve their wear resistance and hardness, which are essential for their performance in demanding environments.The research offers a foundation for the development of ABS-based materials with superior tribological properties for critical applications, potentially leading to enhanced energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.