Fabrication and characterization of TiO₂-ABS composite filaments for 3D printing: Structural analysis and evaluation of antibacterial properties

Abstract. This study focuses on preparing and characterizing acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer composites reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles. The aim is to enhance the material's antibacterial and anti-fouling properties for potential use in 3D printing applications. The composites were synthesized by incorporating varying concentrations of TiO₂ (0.5–20wt.%) into the ABS matrix using melt compounding followed by filament extrusion. Morphological and structural properties were evaluated for filaments and printed materials using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. Antibacterial efficacy was tested against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, demonstrating a slight reduction in bacterial adhesion on the composite surfaces. Furthermore, incorporating TiO₂ can improve UV resistance and provide self-cleaning properties, indicating its potential for applications in medical devices, water purification components, and other high-performance 3D-printed structures.