Mechanical properties of 3D printed interpenetrating phase composites with TPMS architectures

Abstract

The mechanical performance of triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS)-based interpenetrating phase composites (IPCs) is investigated experimentally and numerically. The TPMS structures are employed as reinforcement phases to improve the mechanical properties of the composites which are fabricated using Polyjet multi-material additive manufacturing. Afterwards, the IPCs as well as their constituent empty phases are uniaxially compressed on a universal electronic machine to investigate the mechanical response and deformation modes. Experimental result shows that G-STPMS IPC outperforms other IPCs with the highest strength of 84 MPa and D-LTPMS IPC exhibits the best energy absorption performance with SEA of 24.6 J/g. The strength and SEA value of TPMS-based IPCs are superior to the sum of the two empty phases up to 497 % and 192 %, respectively. Furthermore, IPCs exhibit excellent damage resistance that abrupt failure or local shear is hardly observed during axial compression. Simulation result reveals the mechanism of the synergistic effect inside IPCs. Moreover, it is proved that the mechanical properties of the IPCs are influenced by the equivalent density. In general, the combination of high toughness and strength makes TPMS-based IPCs promising candidates for energy absorption.