Co-Relationship of Mechanical, Thermal and Morphological Properties of PVDF-ZnO Composite Materials

Abstract

Mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of the feedstock filaments for fused filament fabrication (FFF) process are the important consideration which decides the quality of products. Also, these properties are greatly influenced by varying the process parameters. In this study, feedstock filaments of ZnO nanoparticles reinforced with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) thermoplastic matrix with twin screw compounding have been prepared. The input process parameters were varied composition (PVDF, PVDF-1wt%ZnO and PVDF-2wt%ZnO), forced loading and screw torque. The prepared feedstock filaments were prepared and subjected to mechanical (tensile strength, percentage elongation, modulus of toughness, Young’s modulus and Shore D hardness), morphological (%porosity) and thermal (melting point) properties. Further, correlation matrix relationship between these mechanical and morphological and thermal properties have been established for understanding the manufacturing process. The results of the study suggested that mechanical properties have a negative correlation with %porosity and melting point. On the other hand, the %porosity and melting point has positive correlation.