Mechanical, thermal and melt flow of aluminum-reinforced PA6/ABS blend feedstock filament for fused deposition modeling

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to highlights the mechanical, thermal and melting behavior compatibility of aluminum (Al)-reinforced polyamide (PA) 6/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)-based functional prototypes prepared using fused deposition modeling (FDM) from the friction welding point of view. Previous studies have highlighted the use of metallic/non-metallic fillers in polymer matrix for preparations of mechanically improved FDM feedstock filaments and functional prototypes. But hitherto, very less has been reported on fabrication of functional prototypes which fulfill the compatibility of two polymers for joining/welding-based applications. The compatibility of two dissimilar polymers enables the friction welding for maintenance applications. Design/methodology/approach The twin screw extrusion process has been used for mechanical mixing of metallic reinforcement in polymer matrix, and final blend of reinforced polymers in the form of extruded feed stock filament has been used on FDM for printing of functional prototypes (for friction welding). The methodology involves melt flow index (MFI) investigations, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) investigations for thermal properties, tensile and hardness testing for mechanical properties and photo micrographic investigations for metallurgical properties on extruded samples. Findings It was observed that the reinforced ABS and PA6 polymers have better compatibility in the terms of similar melt flow, thermal properties and can lead to the better joint efficiency with friction welding. Originality/value In the present work composite feed stock filament composed of ABS and PA6 with reinforcement of Al powder has been successfully developed for preparation of functional prototype in friction welding applications.