Polymer Composites Based on Glycol-Modified Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Applied to Additive Manufacturing Using Melted and Extruded Manufacturing Technology

Abstract

As part of the work, innovative polymer composites dedicated to 3D printing applications were developed. For this purpose, the influence of modified fillers, such as silica modified with alumina, bentonite modified with quaternary ammonium salt, and hybrid filler lignin/silicon dioxide, on the functional properties of composites based on glycol-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET-G) was investigated. In the first part of the work, using the proprietary technological line, filaments from unfilled polymer and its composites were obtained, which contained modified fillers in an amount from 1.5% to 3.0% by weight. The fittings for the testing of functional properties were obtained using the 3D printing technique in the Melted and Extruded Manufacturing (MEM) technology and the injection molding technique. In a later part of the work, rheological properties such as mass melt flow rate (MFR) and viscosity, and mechanical properties such as Rockwell hardness, Charpy impact strength, and static tensile strength with Young’s modulus were presented. The structure of the obtained composites was also described and determined using scanning electron microscopy with an attachment for the microanalysis of chemical composition (SEM/EDS) and the atomic force microscope (AFM). The correct dispersion of the fillers in the polymer matrix was confirmed by wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis (WAXS). In turn, the physicochemical properties were presented on the basis of the research results: thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). On the basis of the obtained results, it was found that both the amount and the type of fillers used significantly affected the functional properties of the tested composites.

Polymer Composites Based on Polycarbonate/Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Used in Rapid Prototyping Technology

“…The fillers were selected to improve the processing properties (fluidity) of PC/ABS, as well as its thermal stability, while maintaining good physical and chemical properties. This article is a continuation of earlier works [ 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

“…1.75 ± 0.05 mm. The proprietary technological line has already been presented in other works [ 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

Hybrid Composite Materials Made of Recycled PET and Standard Polymer Blends Used in Civil Engineering

“…These changes can lead to better material properties of the composite. Further research will establish the suitability of this type of composite in road construction, which is the main purpose of its use [ 24 , 25 , 26 ].…”

The Influence of Selected Fillers on the Functional Properties of Polycarbonate Dedicated to 3D Printing Applications

“…Fillers were introduced into PCF to investigate the impact of their presence and quantity on changes in the functional properties of the material, in particular fluidity/viscosity, mechanical properties and thermal stability of the material. The same amount of additives was used as in our previous works [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ].…”

“…From the composites produced in this way, filaments with a diameter of 1.75 ± 0.05 cm were produced using a designed line for obtaining filaments made according to the design by Gamart S.A. (Łańcut, Poland). The view of the mentioned line was included in previous works [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]. The parameters used were as follows: engine speed 180 rpm, extraction speed 193 mm/s, filament placement speed on the spool 154 mm/s, temperature of individual zones in the range of 215–240 °C.…”