| Abstract Scope |
Increasing rubber’s sliding friction on icy surfaces offers safety. Surface-textured polymer composites improve ice-friction but remain susceptible to wear. Previously, part of our team developed patented composites using thermoplastic polyurethane reinforced with 1D fibers. Facing real-world challenges and inadequate control over fiber distribution, we have introduced a patent-pending composite fabricated via additive manufacturing method incorporating 1D and 2D fillers. We utilized prior patented composite with 2D Graphene-nanoplatelets, hexagonal-Boron-Nitride (hBN), and additional fillers like styrene-butadiene-styrene, Silica, and Silicon-Carbide. Composite samples were produced via injection molding (IM) and fused filament fabrication (FFF). For both methods, hBN-reinforced samples showcase hierarchical surface texturing, abrasion resistance (IM: 133.826 ± 6.81; FFF: 146.629 ± 3.39; p=0.0360) and effective ice traction (IM: 0.535 ± 0.057; FFF: 0.575 ± 0.04; p=0.0435). This study pinpoints the optimal composite for improved and durable ice friction, underscoring the significance of controlled fiber distribution and orientation achieved through additive manufacturing. |