UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST
FACULTY OF PHYSICS

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2025-08-21 0:28
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Conference: Bucharest University Faculty of Physics 2025 Meeting


Section: Physics and Technology of Renewable and Alternative Energy Sources


Title:
Innovative Sustainable Materials: A Study on ABS–Chitosan Composites from Recycled ABS


Authors:
Cristina Emilia PETCU, Adriana-Elena BĂLAN


Affiliation:
University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics, 405 Atomiștilor str., PO Box MG-38, Bucharest-Măgurele, Romania


E-mail
cristina-emilia.petcu@s.unibuc.ro


Keywords:
sustainable materials, hybrid composites, thermal analysis


Abstract:
In the current context of increasing interest in the development of sustainable materials and the reduction of environmental impact, the reuse of plastic materials and the incorporation of renewable biopolymers into their composition has become an increasingly relevant research direction. Hybrid composite materials, obtained by combining synthetic polymers with natural-origin additives, offer significant potential for creating functional products with enhanced properties and a reduced ecological footprint. This study aims to investigate innovative composites based on recycled ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) and chitosan, a biopolymer derived from crustacean chitin, known for its antimicrobial, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly properties. By valorizing plastic waste and integrating a natural component, the research seeks to contribute to the development of sustainable materials with potential applications in various fields such as packaging, technical components, or biomedicine. Moreover, these ABS–chitosan composites may represent a promising solution for the production of 3D printing filaments, enabling the fabrication of parts with special properties, such as improved mechanical strength, thermal stability, or antimicrobial characteristics. This direction opens new opportunities for customizing 3D-printed products, particularly in applications where functional and eco-friendly materials are required. To characterize the ABS–chitosan composites, three essential analytical techniques were used: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for identifying chemical interactions between components and confirming the molecular structure of the materials, Differential Scanning Calorimetry for analyzing thermal behavior and phase transitions, and Thermogravimetric Analysis for assessing thermal stability and degradation behavior.