Mechanical behavior of recyclable polymeric specimens made by additive manufacturing

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has seen a massive growth in engineering applications in recent years. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), probably the most widespread technology, is nowadays capable of producing polymeric components for all kinds of need: from common use to advanced engineering applications, thanks to the usage of a wide range of polymer materials. Some of them (such as PEEK, PEI and others so-called ultra-polymers) offer very good mechanical properties and sometimes can be even capable of replacing metals. In addition, they are stable at relatively high temperatures and thermally re-processable and recyclable, showing good biocompatibility in most of cases. The distinct advantages of AM have facilitated the rapid development of polymer products with complex customized structures and functionalities, thereby enhancing their applications in various fields. In this work, the mechanical behaviors of FFF manufactured polycarbonate (PC) and Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) coupons, both suitable for building construction applications thanks to their good mechanical strength, thermal insulation capability and resistance to ultraviolet (UV) rays, were preliminarily investigated. The aim was to assess the durability of such materials in order to possibly exploit their potential in substitution to conventional ones, in light of their recyclability, so as to eventually promote circularity.