Open AccessSynthesis and characterization of novel polymer matrix composites reinforced with max phases (Ti 3 SiC 2 , Ti 3 AlC 2 , and Cr 2 AlC) or MoAlB by fused deposition modeling
Author(s) -
Hall Kathryn,
Dey Maharshi,
Matzke Caleb,
Gupta Surojit
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of ceramic engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-3270
DOI - 10.1002/ces2.10020
Subject(s) - polylactic acid , materials science , differential scanning calorimetry , scanning electron microscope , composite material , crystallization , amorphous solid , tribology , polymer , chemical engineering , crystallography , chemistry , physics , engineering , thermodynamics
In this paper, we report the synthesis and characterization of polylactic acid ( PLA )‐ MAX (Ti 3 SiC 2 , Ti 3 AlC 2 , and Cr 2 AlC) and PLA ‐MoAlB composites by fused deposition modeling ( FDM ). Detailed scanning electron microscopy ( SEM ) studies showed that the particulate phases are uniformly dispersed in the PLA matrix of 3D‐printed samples. Differential scanning calorimetry ( DSC ) results showed that the addition of MAX phases promoted crystallization of PLA matrix as compared to MoAlB particulates. The mechanical testing results showed that the PLA matrix is sensitive to the addition of MAX or MoAlB phases, for example, PLA ‐5 wt% Ti 3 SiC 2, PLA ‐5 wt% Ti 3 AlC 2, and PLA ‐5 wt% Cr 2 AlC had a UTS of ~39 MPa, ~30.5 MPa, and ~38.7 MPa as compared to ~41.5 MPa in pure PLA . Comparatively, PLA ‐5 wt% MoAlB had a UTS of ~23.2 MP a which shows that predominantly amorphous PLA ‐MoAlB composites have lower strength. The tribological behavior improved after the addition of 1 wt% additives, for example, in PLA ‐Cr 2 AlC, the friction coefficient decreased by 76% to ~0.26 from ~0.34 in pure PLA , and the WR marginally decreased in PLA ‐1 wt% Cr 2 AlC to ~2.2 × 10 −5 mm 3 /Nm as compared to 7.7 × 10 −5 mm 3 /Nm in PLA . SEM investigations of the tribosurfaces showed the tribology is governed by the formation of tribofilms. The wettability study showed that all the 3D‐printed samples are hydrophilic in nature.