Metal and metal oxide particles as modifiers for effective layer melting and Z-axis strength in 3D printing

Abstract

This work concerns research on the use of inorganic chemical compounds Fe2O3, Fe3O4, and Al and organosilicon modifiers used as additives controlling the properties of PLA for material extrusion in 3D printing technology. The addition of inorganic compounds reduces the temperature at the beginning of the composite decomposition, which is related to the presence of metal and metal oxides. An effect of inhibition of catalytic activity was also noticed as a result of the addition of organosilicon compounds. An increase in the melt flow index parameter was observed, making improving the extrusion and 3D printing process possible. The presence of inorganic additives results in a better fusion of the print paths, which leads to reduced structure defects and better interlayer adhesion. The tensile strength of the obtained composite samples decreases with the increase in the concentration of the metal and metal oxides. The addition of organosilicon substances increases the tensile strength regardless of the inorganic compound concentration. The highest increase in tensile strength was obtained for the PLA/12.5% Fe3O4/OSS-5OD-3TMOS sample and it was 24.35% compared to the sample without the addition of organosilicon compounds. The use of organosilicon additives resulted in an increase in the water contact angle.