Synthesized nanoparticles turn ABS plastics into unique materials

Employees of the Department of Inorganic Chemistry have synthesized magnetic nanoparticles of cobalt boride for the modification of ABS plastics.

The study was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation ("Multifunctional Materials for Targeted Modification of Industrially Produced Thermoplastics").

Project lead, Associate Professor of the Department of Inorganic Chemistry Artur Khannanov, comments about the advantages of the nanomaterial developed by KFU scientists and the method for its production.

"Our method for synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles of cobalt boride is presented in an article published in Polymers," the scientist said. "Boride particles of cobalt are usually obtained at a temperature of 500-900 degrees Celsius, which makes its production quite expensive. We have developed a new low-energy approach that allows us to obtain cobalt boride particles at room temperature."

The magnetic nanoparticles obtained by the university chemists are intended for producing composites with specified properties based on industrial thermoplastic acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

"Our research examined the effect of various nanoparticle concentrations on the physical, mechanical, magnetic and dielectric properties of the resulting composites," says the project lead. "It was found that changing the concentration of nanoparticles in the ABS composite allows controlling the glass transition temperature of the material in the range from 107.5 to 112 degrees Celsius. In addition, composites created in this way demonstrate superparamagnetic behavior, which changes linearly depending on the concentration of nanoparticles. Despite the fact that the dielectric constant of the composite remains close to the value of pure ABS, with an increase in the content of nanoparticles, a shift in the maximum of the dielectric constant towards lower frequencies is observed."

According to Dr. Khannanov, the nanomaterial developed by his research group not only improves the mechanical, magnetic and dielectric properties of composites, but also expands the possibilities of using ABS in various fields.

"We have learned to use nanoparticles to control such characteristics of plastic as glass transition temperature and oxidation resistance, which allows us to fine-tune the products obtained from it and increases the number of recycling cycles for this plastic, which makes it more environmentally friendly," he adds.

The Associate Professor notes that usually a whole range of different additives are used to improve the properties of plastics: some are responsible for thermal-oxidative stabilization, others for magnetic properties, and others for dielectric properties, and so on. KFU scientists have managed to create a material that performs several functions at once, with the help of which all these properties can be regulated simultaneously.

According to the chemist, modified ABS plastics, due to their excellent dielectric properties and ability to withstand high temperatures, can be used to produce insulating materials, electronic components, such as microcircuit housings, and other devices that require high heat resistance and oxidation resistance.

"The ability to control the glass transition temperature and mechanical properties of composites makes them suitable for creating high-strength and durable filaments for 3D printing used in the creation of complex structures and prototypes," points out Khannanov.

Since composite materials have magnetic properties, they can be used to create robotic systems controlled by a magnetic field. They are needed for automated control of industrial processes.

"Similar systems exist, but they are usually produced based on more expensive polymer materials. We were able to create a material from routine plastic that performs the same functions," he explains.

The chemist focused on the environmental benefits of new ABS-based composites with the addition of cobalt boride nanoparticles, "They are primarily related to the possibility of recycling and reusing materials. ABS is one of the most common polymers that is easily recycled and reused. Adding nanoparticles does not impair this ability, which allows us to create composites that can be recycled after the end of the product's service life. This reduces the amount of waste and reduces the consumption of natural resources."

Provided by Kazan Federal University