Investigation of the dynamic mechanical analysis and mechanical response of 3D printed nylon carbon fiber composites with different build orientation

Abstract

The effect of printing angle on the mechanical behavior of 3D printed carbon fiber reinforced nylon composites is investigated. Three types of print angles, namely angular, vertical and horizontal, are considered in the present study. Dynamic mechanical analysis, and flexural and tensile tests are performed to evaluate the mechanical behavior of specimens. The dynamic mechanical analysis test reveals higher storage and loss modulus in horizontal specimens as compared with angular and vertical specimens, mainly credited with better mechanical restraints imposed by carbon fibers on the matrix movement. Higher damping capability was also noted with horizontal specimens. Flexural properties of horizontally printed specimens are better as compared with the other configurations attributed to good stress transferability between the constituents. Tensile specimens also depict higher modulus and strength for horizontally printed specimens owing to higher resistance offered by the carbon fibers to tensile loading and good compatibility of constituents. Finally, the structure–property relationships are understood by analyzing the specimens under a high-resolution scanning microscope.