Three-Dimensional Printed Polyamide 12 (PA12) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) Alumina (Al2O3) Nanocomposites with Significantly Enhanced Tensile, Flexural, and Impact Properties

Abstract

The effect of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) as a reinforcing agent of Polyamide 12 (PA12) and Polylactic acid (PLA) in fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional printing (3DP) is reported herein for the first time. Alumina NPs are incorporated via a melt–mixing compounding process, at four different filler loadings. Neat as well as nanocomposite 3DP filaments are prepared as feedstock for the 3DP manufacturing of specimens which are thoroughly investigated for their mechanical properties. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) proved the nature of the materials. Their morphological characteristics were thoroughly investigated with scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. Al2O3 NPs exhibited a positive reinforcement mechanism at all filler loadings, while the mechanical percolation threshold with the maximum increase of performance was found between 1.0–2.0 wt.% filler loading (1.0 wt.% for PA12, 41.1%, and 56.4% increase in strength and modulus, respectively; 2.0 wt.% for PLA, 40.2%, and 27.1% increase in strength and modulus, respectively). The combination of 3DP and polymer engineering using nanocomposite PA12 and PLA filaments with low-cost filler additives, e.g., Al2O3 NPs, could open new avenues towards a series of potential applications using thermoplastic engineering polymers in FFF 3DP manufacturing.

Box-Behnken modeling to quantify the impact of control parameters on the energy and tensile efficiency of PEEK in MEX 3D-printing

“…Polymers such as PLA and ABS are the most widely used polymers for the MEX process [ 13 ]. They are used as pure [ [14] , [15] , [16] ] or matrix materials in composites [ [17] , [18] , [19] , [20] ]. Therefore, it is reasonable that the effects of the 3D-printer process settings on the overall performance of such feedstocks have been comprehensively investigated in previous studies [ 21 , 22 ].…”

The Effect of Nano Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)-Optimized Content in Polyamide 12 (PA12) and Polylactic Acid (PLA) Matrices on Their Thermomechanical Response in 3D Printing

“…With its notable mechanical strength and convenient melt-processing characteristics, PLA is extensively employed as a feedstock material in Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing technology [ 42 , 43 , 44 ]. With a melting point in the range of ~150–160 °C, PLA is not only suitable for various biomedical applications [ 41 , 45 ] but also shows potential for engineering applications [ 41 , 46 , 47 ]. Therefore, its performance in MEX 3D printing has been extensively reported [ 41 , 44 , 48 , 49 ].…”

Glass Fillers in Three Different Forms Used as Reinforcement Agents of Polylactic Acid in Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing

“…Its performance and how it is affected by the 3D printing parameters have been thoroughly investigated [41][42][43][44], along with its quality characteristics [45] and its sustainability in the process [46]. Aiming to expand its performance in MEX 3D printing, nanocomposites have been developed [47][48][49][50][51]. Further exploiting its biocompatibility, composites for medical and culinary applications with antibacterial performance have also been investigated [52][53][54][55].…”