Anisotropic Materials Research Articles

Effects of CuCr1Zr contamination on the tensile properties and microstructure of stainless steel 316L produced via laser powder bed fusion

AbstractCopper contamination has a negative effect on the tensile properties of certain stainless steel grades due to a weakening of grain boundaries via liquid metal embrittlement. This is especially problematic given current trends in laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) that elevate contamination risks, such as multi-material processing or the use of recycled materials. As such, it is critical to establish composition limits for use in standard specifications. This study investigates the changes in tensile properties and cracking behavior in stainless steel alloy 316L contaminated with copper alloy CuCr1Zr at concentrations of 0–10 particle percent (pt.%) in horizontal, diagonal, and vertical build orientations. It is found that microcracks are already present at 1 pt.% Cu alloy and increase in density with contamination. The cracks are generally vertically oriented along columnar grain boundaries and are associated with high local Cu content, thus exacerbating the anisotropy of the as-built material. The contamination decreases the elastic modulus, yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and uniform elongation, eventually transitioning from ductile to brittle fracture modes. The build orientation relative to the tensile loading axis is shown to be a critical design parameter due to the preferential crack initiation and growth direction. The fracture surfaces at 10 pt.% contamination show regularly spaced, smooth brick-like cleavage patterns that correspond to the columnar grain dimensions. Even so, the measured YS and UTS exceeded the ASTM F3184-16 standard for CuCr1Zr contaminations up to 5 pt.%. As a conservative limit, it is proposed that a maximum content of 1 wt% Cu be specified for L-PBF SS316L.

Research Progress on Helmet Liner Materials and Structural Applications.

As an important part of head protection equipment, research on the material and structural application of helmet liners has always been one of the hotspots in the field of helmets. This paper first discusses common helmet liner materials, including traditional polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc., as well as newly emerging anisotropic materials, polymer nanocomposites, etc. Secondly, the design concept of the helmet liner structure is discussed, including the use of a multi-layer structure, the addition of geometric irregular bubbles to enhance the energy absorption effect, and the introduction of new manufacturing processes, such as additive manufacturing technology, to realize the preparation of complex structures. Then, the application of biomimetic structures to helmet liner design is analyzed, such as the design of helmet liner structures with more energy absorption properties based on biological tissue structures. On this basis, we propose extending the concept of bionic structural design to the fusion of plant stalks and animal skeletal structures, and combining additive manufacturing technology to significantly reduce energy loss during elastic yield energy absorption, thus developing a reusable helmet that provides a research direction for future helmet liner materials and structural applications.

Dyakonov surface waves in a thin interfacial waveguide formed by negatively anisotropic dielectrics.

Dyakonov surface waves (DSWs) are electromagnetic surface waves that exist at the interface of two dissimilar materials, with at least one material being anisotropic. Although there are various types of these waves, they all exist in anisotropic materials with positive anisotropy. The requirement for positive anisotropy limits the choice of materials that can support these waves. In this study, we present a type of Dyakonov surface wave that occurs at the interface of negatively anisotropic materials. Specifically, we demonstrate their existence in a system consisting of two negatively anisotropic slabs confined between two perfect electric conductor (PEC) walls. By assuming a small distance between the walls, we derive analytical expressions for the propagation constant, penetration depth, and field distribution of these surface waves. We numerically demonstrate that these surface waves can also exist in structures beyond the approximations used to develop the theoretical framework. The existence of Dyakonov surface waves in negative crystals broadens the range of materials suitable for their practical implementation.

Thickness dependent nanoscale magnetism in two-dimensional manganese telluride (MnTe)

Magnetism from two-dimensional (2D) materials has received significant attention and admiration due to their unique electronic and magnetic properties owing to quantum confinement, such as spin-orbit coupling, magnetic anisotropy, and emergent magnetic orders, leading to behaviors and properties not observed in bulk materials. One of the crucial gaps that need to be addressed is deciphering the ordering of magnetic behavior with the thickness of manganese dichalcogenides, manganese telluride (MnTe). The present work explores the pivotal role of thickness in modulating the magnetic properties of 2D MnTe, obtained using liquid-phase exfoliation techniques. Intriguing magnetic and electronic properties have been observed in MnTe thinner than 5 nm. Our experimental findings and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed the transition from anti-ferromagnetic characteristics to ferromagnetic behavior for one to two layers and then back to anti-ferromagnetic behavior for thicknesses larger than 5 nm. These results demonstrate the existence of thickness-dependent transitions in magnetic ordering and anisotropy for the 2D materials. The experimental results, in conjunction with theoretical modeling, unravel useful insights into the implications of magnetic 2D MnTe for emerging technologies driven by nanoscale magnetism, such as spintronics and quantum computing. The outcomes from the present work open new possibilities for developing memory devices with enhanced functionality and efficiency.

Novel Response Surface Technique for Composite Structure Localization Using Variable Acoustic Emission Velocity.

The time difference of arrival (TDOA) method has traditionally proven effective for locating acoustic emission (AE) sources and detecting structural defects. Nevertheless, its applicability is constrained when applied to anisotropic materials, particularly in the context of fiber-reinforced composite structures. In response, this paper introduces a novel COmposite LOcalization using Response Surface (COLORS) algorithm based on a two-step approach for precise AE source localization suitable for laminated composite structures. Leveraging a response surface developed from critical parameters, including AE velocity profiles, attenuation rates, distances, and orientations, the proposed method offers precise AE source predictions. The incorporation of updated velocity data into the algorithm yields superior localization accuracy compared to the conventional TDOA approach relying on the theoretical AE propagation velocity. The mean absolute error (MAE) for COLORS and TDOA were found to be 6.97 mm and 8.69 mm, respectively. Similarly, the root mean square error (RMSE) for COLORS and TODA methods were found to be 9.24 mm and 12.06 mm, respectively, indicating better performance of the COLORS algorithm in the context of source location accuracy. The finding underscores the significance of AE signal attenuation in minimizing AE wave velocity discrepancies and enhancing AE localization precision. The outcome of this investigation represents a substantial advancement in AE localization within laminated composite structures, holding potential implications for improved damage detection and structural health monitoring of composite structures.

SH-wave based defect imaging method for CFRP plates with variable thickness

ABSTRACT Classical guided wave imaging methods find applicability in uniform-thickness plates or quasi-isotropic plates. To be compared with, the method presented in this paper advances damage imaging accuracy for both uniform-thickness and variable-thickness anisotropic plates by incorporating new compensation terms grounded in the theoretical excitation directivity of the quasi-SH0 mode in anisotropic material. Specifically, the nondispersive nature of the wave speed and skew angle of the quasi-SH0 mode in the low- fd states (frequency-thickness-product lower than the cut-off value of SH1 mode) is established through dispersion curves and wave structure calculations. Additionally, employing the elastic dynamics reciprocity theorem reveals that the directivity of this mode is also nondispersive in the low- fd states. Therefore, the quasi-SH0 mode is theoretically insensitive to thickness variation. Experiment validated these theoretical calculations. On this basis, this paper proposed an integrated imaging method that utilises transmitted and reflected wave information by incorporating matching pursuit algorithm, cross-correlation analysis, probabilistic reconstruction and delay-and-sum method that incorporates new compensation terms based on the quasi-SH0 mode theory. Experimental validation of uniform-thickness carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) plates and variable-thickness CFRP plates shows the insensitivity of this method to structural thickness variation, enabling effective imaging of damage in such anisotropic structures.

Anisotropic functionally graded nano-beam models and closed-form solutions in plane gradient elasticity

This study delves into the investigation of exact analytical solutions for the plane stress and displacement fields within linear homogeneous anisotropic nano-beam models of gradient elasticity. It focuses on solving the Helmholtz equation, which encompasses a second-order non-homogeneous linear partial differential equation in plane gradient elasticity theory, utilizing polynomial series-type solutions. The analysis centers on the utilization of gradient Airy stress functions to derive stress fields in the gradient theory. The research yields closed-form analytical solutions for Airy stress functions, stress, and strain fields in both classical and gradient theories. The study considers five distinct types of two-dimensional functionally graded cantilever beams with various boundary conditions: a cantilever anisotropic nano-beam subjected to a concentrated force at the free end, a cantilever anisotropic nano-beam under a uniform load, a simple anisotropic nano-beam under a uniform load, a propped cantilever anisotropic nano-beam under a uniform load, and a fixed end cantilever anisotropic nano-beam under a uniform load. General analytical solutions for the gradient stress and displacement fields of two-dimensional and one-dimensional anisotropic nano-beams under different boundary conditions are provided. The study showcases significant strain gradient size effects at the nano-scale through the derived analytical solutions for anisotropic beams. Additionally, it demonstrates that the strain gradient theory results for the limit case of the gradient coefficient c precisely align with results for isotropic and anisotropic materials in elasticity theory and classical theory. Furthermore, real-world applications are discussed, considering stress and displacement fields in real anisotropic materials such as TiSi2 single crystals and orthotropic materials, which are special cases of anisotropic materials like wood and epoxy as documented in the literature.

The structural, stability, electronic, optical and thermodynamic properties of Ba2AsXO6（X = V, Nb, Ta）double perovskite oxides: A First-Principles study

In this paper, the structural, mechanical, electronic, optical and thermodynamic properties of Ba2AsXO6 (X = V, Nb, Ta) double perovskite oxides have been studied based on the first principles of density functional theory. By calculating some parameters such as Goldsmith’s tolerance factor (tG), octahedral factor (µ), Bartel’s tolerance factor (τ), formation energy, binding energy and elastic constants, it is found that these double perovskite oxides have the potential for stable existence. In addition, Ba2AsXO6 (X = V, Nb, Ta) is an anisotropic material, in which Ba2AsVO6 is brittle, Ba2AsNbO6 and Ba2AsTaO6 are ductile. The electronic properties of the materials show that Ba2AsVO6 and Ba2AsNbO6 are indirect bandgap semiconductors with a band gap of 1.676 eV and 2.654 eV respectively, while Ba2AsTaO6 is direct bandgap semiconductor with a band gap of 3.252 eV. The optical properties revealed that these perovskites exhibit favorable far-ultraviolet light absorption characteristics. The thermodynamic properties show that the specific heat capacity of these double perovskite oxides reaches the Dulong-Petit limit at around 800 K. These results indicate that Ba2AsXO6 (X = V, Nb, Ta) double perovskite oxides have broad application prospects in the fields of thermoelectricity and optoelectronics. Furthermore, these results also provide a valuable theoretical basis for their future experimental synthesis.

Nanoparticle Surfactants at Complex Emulsion Interfaces.

Using nanoparticle surfactants to stabilize the liquid-liquid interface has attracted significant attention for developing all-liquid constructs including emulsions and liquid devices. Here, an efficient strategy is demonstrated to stabilize complex emulsions that consist of multiphase droplets by using the co-assembly between the cellulose nanocrystal and amine-functionalized polystyrene. Cellulose nanocrystal surfactants (CNCSs) form and assembly in situ at the specified area of emulsion interface, showing a unique pH responsiveness due to their dynamic nature and allowing the reconfiguration of complex emulsion from encapsulated to Janus structures. Such complex emulsions can be further used as the templates to fabricate polymeric particles with hollow, semi-spherical, and spherical shapes on large scale. These findings establish a promising platform for designing intelligent soft matter that can be used in microreactors, sensors, and anisotropic materials.

Design, preparation, and mechanical properties of glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic self‐anchor plate cable exposed in alkaline solution environment

AbstractThe reliable anchorage and long‐term durability of high‐performance fiber reinforced polymer composites were the decisive factors for engineering applications owing to the anisotropy of materials and the complexity of service environment. In this paper, an innovative glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (GFRPP) self‐anchor plate cable was developed to utilize the high toughness/durability of thermoplastic resin and self‐anchor load‐bearing system. The effects of different reinforcement methods and cable arc angles (10°, 20°, and 30°) on mechanical properties of plate cable were investigated. Water absorption behavior and mechanical properties immersed in alkali solution were tested to evaluate its long‐term service behavior. The thermogravimetric and surface morphology analysis were conducted to reveal the performance evolution mechanism. The results showed through the combination of secondary melting, carbon fiber winding confinement and epoxy reinforcements, the splitting failure of transition zone and interlaminar cracking failure of straight zone for plate cable were effectively avoided. The tensile strength retention of plate cable for arc angles of 10°, 20° and 30° were 45.6%, 41.3%, and 34.0% of GFRPP plate, respectively. Larger arc angle increased the curvature of arc‐straight transition zone and stress concentration near the straight section, leading to interlaminar splitting failure of plate cable at weak transition zone. The tensile strength of plate cable with the immersion time deteriorated obviously until the lowest retention of 29.7%. The degradation mechanism was mainly due to the etching of glass fibers in alkali solution and the formation of pores and internal defects, including fiber/resin interface debonding and resin swelling. The research results were of significance for solving the anchoring problems and promoting the long‐term service reliability in bridge applications.Highlights The mold can realize reliable molding of glass fiber reinforced polypropylene cables after the reinforcements. The tensile strength retention of plate cable was up to 34.0%–45.6% of plate. Larger arc angle increased the stress concentration near the straight section. Non‐polar polypropylene plate was proved to have better hydrophobic performance. The degradation mechanism of plate cable in alkali solution was revealed.

Photodetectors Based on ZrS3/MoS2 Heterostructures.

High-performance photodetectors with the detection capability of linearly polarized light have broad applications in both military and civilian fields. Quasi-one-dimensional ZrS3 as an emerging anisotropic two-dimensional material has come under the spotlight owing to its intriguing properties. However, the performance of the ZrS3 photodetector is seriously restricted by its low responsivity. Herein, a novel high-performance photodetector based on the van der Waals ZrS3/MoS2 heterostructure is proposed. Attributed to the charge trapping-assisted photogating effect, interlayer carrier transitions, and fast spatial separation of the photogenerated electron-hole pairs, the device displays superior photoresponse characteristics ranging from the ultraviolet to the visible spectrum in terms of high responsivity up to 212 A/W, an extraordinary external quantum efficiency of 8.5 × 104%, and a prompt rise/decay time of 0.19/0.38 ms. In addition, owing to the profound birefringence and dichroism effects in ZrS3 together with strong light-matter interactions in the heterostructure, profound linear-polarization sensitivity is demonstrated with a dichroic ratio of about 2.8. Overall, this photodetector not only is integrated with the excellent properties of ZrS3 and monolayer MoS2 but also further enhances the advantages through interlayer couplings, which demonstrate the strong potential of the ZrS3-based devices for high-performance, ultrafast, and polarization-sensitive photodetection.

Dual-band high quality-factor perfect absorber based on uniaxial/biaxial anisotropic van der Waals polar crystals

Phonon polaritons (PhPs) in two-dimensional van der Waals crystals, such as hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and α-phase molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO3), exhibit remarkable spatial confinement and extremely low optical losses, offering possibilities for the development of novel micro and nanophotonic devices at mid-infrared wavelengths. Here, we demonstrate the potential of the proposed Tamm structure to achieve dual-band high quality-factor perfect absorption within the mid-infrared range. This structure utilizes upper and lower spacer layers to isolate the anisotropic materials hBN and α-MoO3 from one-dimensional photonic crystals, where the Tamm phonon polaritons (TPhPs) are respectively excited at the interfaces, facilitating strong coupling with incident light and leading to significant dual-band perfect absorption phenomena. The results demonstrate that due to polariton resonances, the absorption peaks exhibit extremely narrow absorption bandwidths, with the maximum quality-factor reaching up to 297. In addition, tunable resonant wavelengths and polarization-dependent absorption properties are also demonstrated in the proposed Tamm structure. This study provides an alternative and straightforward approach for constructing dynamic and multifunctional optical devices such as optical modulators, tunable multi-band filters and biosensors.

Elasto-viscoplastic model for rayon yarns

AbstractIn this paper we develop a new model for the simulation of the mechanical behavior of rayon twisted yarns, at macroscopic level. A yarn with its continuous filaments is represented by an equivalent three-dimensional solid of cylindrical shape, discretized by finite elements, with properly defined local anisotropic material properties. The new constitutive model, inspired by experimental results on rayon untwisted yarns, is formulated in the framework of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes and includes visco-elastic and visco-plastic dissipation mechanisms. The effect of twist is taken into account by including the direction of the fibers in the free energy definition. The overall model is validated comparing numerical and experimental results on twisted rayon yarns.

Anisotropy-induced band transition and merging of bound states in the continuum in gratings

We propose the grating systems composed of anisotropic material and study the tunability of such anisotropy to the evolutions of bound states in the continuum (BICs) and leaky mode, as well as the band flip between odd- and even-mode. The dependence of band transitions on the permittivity anisotropy is given in the single-layer grating lattice. By further introducing the freedom of interlayer shift, different numbers of band closures (zero, two and four) can be achieved during one shift period in a bilayer grating system. Besides, we also investigate the merging and transition of accidental BICs in a thicker grating structure, and analyze the asymptotic behavior of Q factor in such process. These studies elucidate the important effect of anisotropy on leaky-mode resonance and may supplement the research of band dynamics in isotropic grating systems.

Anisotropic Hyperelastic Strain Energy Function for Carbon Fiber Woven Fabrics.

The present paper introduces an innovative strain energy function (SEF) for incompressible anisotropic fiber-reinforced materials. This SEF is specifically designed to understand the mechanical behavior of carbon fiber-woven fabric. The considered model combines polyconvex invariants forming an integrity basisin polynomial form, which is inspired by the application of Noether's theorem. A single solution can be obtained during the identification because of the relationship between the SEF we have constructed and the material parameters, which are linearly dependent. The six material parameters were precisely determined through a comparison between the closed-form solutions from our model and the corresponding tensile experimental data with different stretching ratios, with determination coefficients consistently reaching a remarkable value of 0.99. When considering only uniaxial tensile tests, our model can be simplified from a quadratic polynomial to a linear polynomial, thereby reducing the number of material parameters required from six to four, while the fidelity of the model's predictive accuracy remains unaltered. The comparison between the results of numerical calculations and experiments proves the efficiency and accuracy of the method.

An approach to describe the twinning and detwinning processes of the martensitic structure in ferromagnetic alloy with shape memory in magnetic and force fields

In the article, based on the theory of micromagnetism, a special case of the moment theory of elasticity for an anisotropic material and the Hadamard compatibility condition for deformations, a microstructural model of the behavior of the Heusler alloy with shape memory in magnetic and force fields is constructed. The dynamics of the magnetic process is described by the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. Using the Galerkin procedure, variational equations corresponding to the differential relations of the magnetic problem are written out and the finite element method is used for numerical realization of these equations. Considering the problems of the moment theory of elasticity we come to a special case of this theory in which, under the action of force and magnetic fields, the tensor of moment stresses initiated only by the magnetic field is zero. Using this result, the general expression for the state equation is constructed that describes, within the framework of small deformations, the behavior of an anisotropic material under force and magnetic influences. The stress tensor in this equation consists of a symmetric part and a skew-symmetric part, depending only on the magnetic field. For the problem of deformable solid mechanics with such a state equation, the Lagrange variational equation was constructed, which made it possible to reduce the requirements for the smoothness of the desired solution by an order of magnitude. The general expression for the state equation has been concretized for an anisotropic material having one axis of symmetry of the fourth order and two axes of symmetry of the second order. The solution of the Hadamard compatibility equation for deformations made it possible to determine the sliding surfaces and sliding directions in a tetragonal crystal cell of a ferromagnetic material in the martensitic state, along which a shift occurs, leading to the appearance and dissipation of a twinned structure. The microstructural model, constructed using all these positions, is used to describe experimental results on the combined action of magnetic and force fields on the Heusler alloy.

Green's functions for anisotropic elastic plates containing polygonal holes

Two sets of Green's functions for anisotropic elastic media containing a polygonal hole with rounded corners are presented. Analyzing non-elliptical holes poses a formidable mathematical challenge for anisotropic materials because existing mapping functions generally fail to meet certain criteria. The nonconformal mapping scheme and the perturbation method with conformal mapping are applied to derive two sets of solutions, respectively. They are solved using the method of analytical continuation. For the nonconformal approach, the hole is mapped onto a unit circle with nonconformal mapping functions, and the solution form is identical to elliptical holes only with a different mapping function. The perturbation solution is expressed in a series form based on the conformal mapping functions and solutions for elliptical holes. Proper adjustments of branch cuts of complex logarithm functions are introduced for both solutions. These adjustments are essential in numerical computation, as they ensure the continuity of an elastic body across branch cuts. Also, the two solutions presented in this paper are compared in-depth. Based upon their pros and cons, a combined use of these two solutions is suggested for application in boundary element method.

Study on Fracture Characteristics of Layered Sandstone under Asymmetric Loading.

In engineering practice, layered rock masses often display obvious anisotropy while deforming and failing, and the failure mode directly impacts the engineering construction stability. In this study, the fracture failure load, fracture toughness, crack deflection angle, and failure mode of a layered rock mass under different fracture modes were analyzed by utilizing improved asymmetric semi-circular disc specimens. According to the constitutive model of transversely isotropic materials, the maximum tensile stress (MTS), maximum energy release rate (MERR), and maximum strain energy density (MSED) calculation formulas were modified, and the calculation formulas of the three prediction criteria under anisotropic materials were derived. The calculation results were compared with the experimental results. The results show that the fracture toughness and crack deflection angle were significantly affected by the weak bedding plane. As a result of applying the MTS criterion, the results are closer to the experimental results, providing a solid foundation for engineering deformation, failure, and fracture analyses.

Free vibration analysis of laminated anisotropic doubly-curved shell structures reinforced with three-phase polymer/CNT/fiber material

The present work investigates the vibrational response of laminated anisotropic doubly-curved shell structures reinforced with Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) short fibers. The fundamental equations are derived from a curvilinear reference system of principal coordinates, employing the Equivalent Single Layer (ESL) methodology. Furthermore, a general variation in laminate thickness is considered. The unknown field variable is described using higher order theories through the unified formulation, taking into account a general interpolation of the unknown variables with Lagrange polynomials across the physical domain. The Hamiltonian Principle is adopted for the derivation of the dynamic equilibrium equations, which arediscretized numerically by using the Generalized Differential Quadrature (GDQ) method. In addition, an efficient isogeometric NURBS-based mapping is adopted for the distortion of the physical domain. The boundary conditions of the differential problem are modelled through a general distribution of linear elastic springs along the lateral surfaces of the three-dimensional doubly-curved solid. The theory is then applied to study the vibrational modes of structures with different curvatures and lamination schemes, taking into account a general distribution of CNTs along the thickness direction. The homogenized properties of CNTs layers are obtained from the Mori-Tanaka procedure, which accounts for the agglomeration effects of the dispersed nanofibers within the matrix. Unlike previous studies focusing on doubly-curved shells reinforced with composite materials and CNTs, the present formulation enables to derive the vibration characteristics of structures made of generally anisotropic materials with general orientations. Furthermore, the calibration of the parameters for the linear elastic springs’ distribution leads to general external constraints within a single element, thus reducing the computational cost of the problem.

Crystallographic Texture Evolution in 3D Printed Polyethylene Reactor Blends.

In this work, crystallographic texture evolution in 3D printed trimodal polyethylene (PE) blends and high-density PE (HDPE) benchmark material were investigated to quantify the resulting material anisotropy, and the results were compared to materials made from conventional injection molded (IM) samples. Trimodal PE reactor blends consisting of HDPE, ultrahigh molecular weight PE (UHMWPE), and HDPE_wax have been used for 3D printing and injection molding. Changes in the preferred orientation and distribution of crystallites, i.e., texture evolution, were quantified utilizing the wide angle X-ray diffraction through pole figures and orientation distribution functions (ODFs) for 3D printed and IM samples. Since the change in weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the blend was expected to significantly affect the resulting crystallinity and orientation, the overall Mw of the trimodal PE blend was varied while keeping the UHMWPE component weight fraction to 10% in the blend. The resulting texture was analyzed by varying the overall Mw of the trimodal blend and the process parameters in 3D printing and compared to the texture of conventional IM samples. The printing speed and orientation (defined with respect to the axis along the length of the samples) were used as the variable process parameters for 3D printing. The degree of anisotropy increases with an increase in the nonuniform distribution of intensities in pole figures and ODFs. All the highest intensity major texture components in IM and 3D printed samples (0° printing orientation) of reactor blends are observed to have crystals oriented in [001] or [001̅]. Overall, for the same throughput, 3D printed samples in the 0° orientation showed greater texture evolution and higher anisotropy compared to IM samples. Most notably, an increase in 3D printing speed increased the crystalline distribution closer to the 0° direction, increasing the anisotropy, while deviation from this printing orientation reduced crystalline distribution closer to the 0° direction, thus increasing isotropy. This demonstrates that tailoring material properties in specific directions can be achieved more effectively with 3D printing than with the injection molding process. Change in the overall Mw of the trimodal PE blend changed the preferential orientation distribution of the crystal planes to some degree. However, the degree of anisotropy remained the same in almost all cases, indicating that the effect of molecular weight distribution is not as significant as the printing speed and printing orientation in tailoring the resulting properties. The 3D printing process parameters (speed and orientation) were shown to have more influence on the texture than the material parameters associated with the blend.