On Process Capability of PVC-PP Composite Feedstock Filament for 3D Printing Applications

Abstract

Polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP) thermoplastic polymers are the most usable and demandable polymers in the commercial sector due to their low cost and ease of availability with better properties (mechanical, thermal, rheological, and other properties). PVC polymers are very flexible that’s why 100% pure virgin PVC polymer-based feedstock filaments are not able to use directly in 3D Printing technology. PP Polymer is the second-largest thermoplastic polymer producer in the world and PP hardness value is much higher that’s why PP-based feedstock filaments are easy to use in 3D Printing technology. Lots of research work has been done on the processing of PVC and PP polymers using different techniques but little has been reported to the reinforcement of PVC with PP polymers using extrusion process for 3D printing applications. In this research work, PVC and PP polymers are reinforced with different compositions and a feedstock filament has been prepared using twin-screw extrusion (TSE) process for 3D printing applications, and process capability analysis has been performed on fabricated feedstock filament for mass production.