Microstructural Investigations of 3D Printed Reinforcing Network in Recycled Silicone Rubber Composites

Abstract

Recycled silicone rubber has grown interest due to its excellent mechanic properties, obtained at favorable production costs, which are supported by the use of already available materials waste. Here, we have used three different 3D printed polymeric networks (photopolymerizing resin (SLA), hard photopolymerizing resin (SLA) and Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG)) to reinforce a matrix of recicled silicone rubber. The samples were obtained in the form of technical plates consisting of the 3D networks and additive material. These were introduced in the molten base material consisting of 60% liquid silicone rubber (binder) and 40% recycled silicone rubber powder. The micro-morphology of the resulted samples was investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using the FEI Nova NanoSEM 630 microscope. The morphological results showed a good binding of the three component phases of the composite materials, with strong interface bonds. This information is an essential premise in obtaining a complete picture concerning the performances of a composite material in its final application.