Comprehensive Characterization of Polymeric Composites Reinforced with Silica Microparticles Using Leftover Materials of Fused Filament Fabrication 3D Printing

Abstract

Silica exhibits properties such that its addition into polymeric materials can result in an enhanced overall quality and improved characteristics and as a result silica has been widely used as a filler material for improving the rheological properties of polymeric materials. The usage of polymers in three-dimensional printing technology has grown exponentially, which has increased the amount of waste produced during this process. Several polymers, such as polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polylactic acid (PLA), and nylon, are applied in this emerging technology. In this study, the effect of the addition of silica as a filler on the mechanical, thermal, and bulk density properties of the composites prepared from the aforementioned polymeric waste was studied. In addition, the morphology of the composite materials was characterized via scanning electron microscopy. The composite samples were prepared with various silica concentrations using a twin extruder followed by hot compression. Generally, the addition of silica increased the tensile strength of the polymers. For instance, the tensile strength of PVA with 5 wt% filler increased by 76 MPa, whereas those of PP and PLA with 10 wt% filler increased by 7.15 and 121.03 MPa, respectively. The crystallinity of the prepared composite samples ranged from 14% to 35%, which is expected in a composite system. Morphological analysis revealed the random dispersion of silica particles and agglomerate formation at high silica concentrations. The bulk density of the samples decreased with increased amount of filler addition. The addition of silica influenced the changes in the characteristics of the polymeric materials. Furthermore, the properties presented in this study can be used to further study the engineering design, transportation, and production processes, promoting the recycling and reuse of such waste in the same technology with the desired properties.

Blown Composite Films of Low-Density/Linear-Low-Density Polyethylene and Silica Aerogel for Transparent Heat Retention Films and Influence of Silica Aerogel on Biaxial Properties

“…This behavior is likely to be related to the stiff layers of silicate with a high aspect ratio, which produce a high degree of interaction and appropriate interfacial adhesion properties. Moreover, this tendency restricts the free movement of the polymer chains, increasing the tensile strength value [ 26 ]. However, when the strain values increased, a strain hardening mechanism developed, which may be a result of an orientated crystalline structure of polymer in both MD ( Figure 5 B) and TD ( Figure 6 B) [ 25 ].…”

Tensile benefits of nanofibers in commercial paint films

“…To our knowledge, very few systematic investigations have investigated the impact of the same additives on different polymeric matrices, and comparisons are difficult between them because tensile properties can vary dramatically depending on the thickness and shape of the tensile sample and how the composite and the additive itself are prepared. One investigation into the impact of the same quantities and types of silica microparticles in PLA, PP, PVA and Nylon 3D printer feedstock 68 found no relationship between T g and response to the additives. These considerations are made more complex when carbonaceous or inorganic nanoparticle additives can also affect the T g of the polymer matrix itself, either by increasing T g at high concentrations by restraining macromolecular chain mobility 69 or decrease it by increasing the free volume.…”

Investigating the Properties and Characterization of a Hybrid 3D Printed Antimicrobial Composite Material Using FFF Process: Innovative and Swift

“…Hybrid composites of these metallic particles were prepared using the printing technique, which is an efficient, cost-effective, and rapid method to introduce metal particles in the polymer matrix and can be enhanced by using natural material [30,31], where the recycled plastic waste can be used as a matrix to develop the antimicrobial composite [32]. Two or more non-conductive metallic materials could be used in different combinations, such as 3D printed strips produced side by side or made by any other technology, particles mixed with polymer-based material.…”