ANALYSIS OF MOF-5 WITH ABS AND PLA FOR USES IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a relatively new class of functional materials that are specifically noted for their ability to store gasses. Of the thousands of different MOFs that have been synthesized, one of the most prominent is MOF-5. MOF-5 has a cubic shape with interior channels that allow for trapping gas molecules within its structure. All MOFs are produced in powder form. This limits their ability to be processed and, consequently, their utility to industry. To harness the functionality of MOFs for industrial products, these materials must be incorporated within a matrix that can be processed and formed into any number of shapes and architectures. In this study, we have incorporated MOF-5 within the polymer acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polylactic acid (PLA). ABS and PLA are the primary polymers being used in commercial 3-D printers for additive manufacturing. Through 3-D printing, these polymers can be deposited in any number of shapes and structures. We have incorporated MOF-5 into ABS at several weight percentages and produced 3-D printing filaments with these composite materials. We incorporated MOF-5 into PLA films but, as yet, have been unable to produce filaments that can be 3-D printed with this material. We have printed several structures with these filaments and tested the chemical and physical properties of the 3-D printed materials. Notably, the melting properties of the ABS-MOF-5 composite do not differ significantly from pure ABS. The tensile strength of printed ABS-MOF-5 structures is increased relative to that of printed ABS structures. MOF-5 retains its crystalline structure upon incorporation into ABS. Research is currently underway that tests the ability of printed ABS-MOF-5 structures to store gasses.