Effect of Interfacial Adhesion on Tensile Strength of 3D Printed Particulate Nanocomposites

Abstract

Tensile strength of a nanocomposite is dependent on different characteristics such as particle size, particle loading and matrix-particle interfacial adhesion. Matrix-particle interfacial adhesion is one of the main characteristics that affects the mechanical properties. Additive manufacturing have unique and distinct advantages over conventional manufacturing techniques. However, nanocomposites fabricated by additive manufacturing still need a comprehensive study. In this paper we investigated the effect of interfacial adhesion between matrix and filler of samples printed using photopolymer extrusion 3D printing technique. In order to compare the matrix-particle interfacial adhesion of samples printed by this technique, another set of samples have been fabricated using casting technique. Tensile tests on both sets of samples had been conducted and interfacial adhesion parameter models and SEM was used to draw the comparison; consequently, samples fabricated by 3D printing proved to have better mechanical properties than casted samples.