Mechanical characterization of FDM filaments with PVDF matrix reinforced with Graphene and Barium Titanate

Abstract

In past one decade number of studies has been reported on optimization of process parameters of fused deposition modelling (FDM) for in-house developed thermoplastic composite based feed stock filaments. This paper investigates smart polymer-based composites prepared with hybrid feed stock filament (comprising of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) reinforced with graphene (Gr) and barium titanate (BTO) powder). This work started with the Functional prototypes were 3D printed for tensile and flexural characterization using inhouse developed filament (PVDF (78%)+Gr (2%) with BTO (20%)) at optimized settings of FDM. The printed specimens were subjected to destructive testing for mechanical properties (to analyze the process capability indices, Cp and Cpk). For morphological properties, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and 3D rendered images of the fractured surfaces of tensile and flexural specimen were used. It has been revealed from the SEM and 3D rendered images that the optimized settings of 3D printing process parameters resulted into uniform morphological features (based upon surface roughness (Ra) and amplitude distribution function (ADF), peak count (PC) and bearing ratio (BR) curve).