Thermal and Mechanical Characterization of the New Functional Composites Used for 3D Printing of Static Mixers

Abstract

This paper investigates the possibility of integrating the combination of nanofillers, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) into the thermoplastic polymer matrix. This combination of fillers can possibly modify the physico-chemical properties of composites compared to the pure polymer matrix. The composites were blended using the extrusion method. The composite filament produced was used to manufacture static mixers on a 3D printer using the additive manufacturing technology fused filament fabrication (FFF). The aim of this work was to inspect the influence of the filler addition on the thermal and mechanical properties of glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET-G) polymer composites. The fillers were added to the PET-G polymer matrix in several ratios. Tensile test results showed an increase in the overall strength and decrease in the elongation at break of the material. Melt flow rate (MFR) showed a decrease in the viscosity with the initial filler addition and reaching a plateau after 2 wt% filler was added. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed minor changes in the thermal properties. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed homogenous distribution of the filler in the matrix and strong filler–matrix adhesion. The results indicate suitable properties of new functional composites for the 3D printing of static mixers for application in tubular reactors.

From Virtual Reconstruction to Additive Manufacturing: Application of Advanced Technologies for the Integration of a 17th-Century Wooden Ciborium

“…Percentage water absorption rates of 2.5% for PLA and 0.3% for PETG were recorded, showing that PLA degrades much more easily than PETG, and that PETG has greater stability [ 36 ]. PETG is a thermoplastic polymer consisting of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ethylene glycol, known for its ductility and mechanical strength [ 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 ]. The main characteristics of PETG are an extrusion temperature ranging from 220 °C to 250 °C, a tensile strength of 49 MPa and a flexural strength of approximately 70 MPa [ 9 , 21 ].…”

Polymeric composites in extrusion‐based additive manufacturing: a systematic review

“…It has been compounded with ceramics, 67,86 natural reinforcements, 98,162 glass fiber, 131,148,149 carbon fiber, 163 and carbon black. 176 On the other hand, PETG has been more frequently reinforced with carbonaceous components 95,104,110,124,131,132,177 and has composed the first successful introduction of metal alloy micro-fibers in additive manufacturing of thermoplastics. 112 With more restricted publication numbers, composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polycarbonate (PC) have been explored with ceramic reinforcements 69,77,86,96,160 and carbon fiber, 147 while thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) has usually been associated with investigations in which flexibility is desired, including the development of electrically conductive composites, 175 the applicability in piezoresistive sensors, 129 and the design of humidity-responsive structures.…”

“…In regards to the embedment of inorganic components found in nature into polymeric matrices, its primary benefits include the materials' availability and the reduction of thermal shrinkage, warpage, and curling of the edges in the printed composite parts, especially for hightemperature applications, enabling enhanced printing quality. 123 As detailed in Table 6, successful compounds in this category have been achieved with clay, 66,115 silica, 128,160 talc, 123 hydroxyapatite, 71 titanium dioxide, 132 fly ash, 136 bentonite, 160 and calcium carbonate. 179 Mineral fillers with dimensions within the nanoscale have been increasingly explored.…”

“…Attempting to overcome the limitations of nozzle clogging, filament brittleness, and rough surface finish associated with high filler loadings in composite materials, Lee et al 179 designed a coextrusion modular die for developing a structured dual-layer filament composed of highly filled ABS/CaCO 3 as core and virgin ABS as the shell. In an application-directed study, Markovi c et al 132 prepared functional PETG/TiO 2 filaments. The authors registered an increase in tensile strength by 233%-288% depending on the filler content and successfully adopted their formulations to develop 3D-printed static mixers for tubular reactors to purify polluted water.…”

Photocatalytic Oxidation of Amoxicillin in CPC Reactor over 3D Printed TiO2-CNT@PETG Static Mixers

“…By 3D printing, it is relatively easy to modify the model and adapt both the external and internal shape and structure of the object to the application and manufacturing requirements [20]. Additionally, 3D printing offers the possibility of creating highly complex geometries with high quality and accuracy at an affordable price, which is not possible with conventional methods [21][22][23][24]. The role of a PETG is to present a good carrier for a catalyst.…”