Preliminary Characterization of Novel LDPE-Based Wear-Resistant Composite Suitable for FDM 3D Printing

Abstract

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites reinforced with finely powdered waste glass were identified as a potential material for 3D printed structures for use in low-duty frictional applications. A recently published 3D printing model was used to calculate the limits in the filament feed rate and printing speed. Tribological tests (pin-on-disc method) of the printed composites were performed for different print-path directions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed on the samples and the composites showed a higher crystallinity compared with LDPE, which partially explains the higher elastic modulus of the composites determined during static tensile tests. Using a fine glass powder as reinforcement improved the wear resistance of LDPE by 50% due to the formation of a sliding film on the sample’s surface. An evident effect of friction direction vs. the printed path direction on wear was found; which was likely related to differences in the removal of friction products from the friction area for different print-path directions. The LDPE composites with fine waste glass particles are promising materials for low-duty frictional applications and should be the subject of further research.

The Influence of Zinc Waste Filler on the Tribological and Mechanical Properties of Silicone-Based Composites

“…[ 30 , 31 ]. Using a fine glass powder as reinforcement improved the wear resistance of LDPE-based composites [ 32 ]. The research compared the coefficient of friction of composite materials with those of matrix materials.…”

Structure and Mechanical Properties of High-Density Polyethylene Composites Reinforced with Glassy Carbon

“…Although ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is primarily utilized in hip prostheses, HDPE exhibits much better processing properties even though it has slightly worse tribological properties. For this reason, HDPE remains a competitive material in this group of applications [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Tribological Performance of Composites Reinforced with the Agricultural, Industrial and Post-Consumer Wastes: A Review

“…The authors observed that porcelain composites showed better properties than glass composites for abrasive tools (low wear rate and high hardness), with the best results being obtained for grit size of 150 μm. Olesik et al used glass powder (0–30 wt %) obtained from laminated car glass waste as reinforcement in a low-density PE matrix [ 133 ]. The authors obtained 3D-printed LDPE-based composites with the improved wear resistance resulted from the formation of a sliding film on the composite surface.…”