Development and Characterization of CuO-MWCNT Reinforced ABS Composites for High-Performance 3D-Printed Functional Components

This study investigates the development and characterization of 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composites reinforced with copper oxide-decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CuO-MWCNT) at varying loadings (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 wt.%). The composites were fabricated via twin-screw extrusion and processed into filaments for fused deposition modeling (FDM). Comprehensive characterization techniques including FTIR, XRD, DSC, TGA, DMA, SEM, and dielectric analysis were employed to evaluate structural, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. Results reveal that 0.50 wt.% CuO-MWCNT provided optimal enhancement, exhibiting improved tensile, flexural, and compressive strength, as well as increased thermal stability and higher capacitance compared to virgin ABS. SEM analysis confirmed uniform filler dispersion and good interlayer bonding, whereas excessive filler loading (0.75 wt.%) resulted in agglomeration and reduced mechanical performance. These findings demonstrate the potential of CuO-MWCNT/ABS nanocomposites for advanced functional applications in energy storage, electronics, and lightweight structural components.