Microwave radiation-induced interfacial gradient effect of 3D printing CF/PA12 composite for enhancing mechanical performance

Abstract

Abstract A new carbon fiber/polyamide12 (CF/PA12) composite with ordered orientation is fabricated by combining with 3D printing and microwave radiation. It is found that the tensile strength and modulus of 3D printing CF/PA12 composite with microwave radiation are obviously improved by 23.8% and 10.2% comparing with the original specimen, respectively. The effect of microwave radiation on micro-structure and fiber-matrix interface of 3D printing CF/PA12 composite are investigated by nanoindentation and 3D X-ray computed tomography. The enhanced mechanical properties are mainly attributed to the microwave radiation-induced interfacial gradient effect of 3D printing CF/PA12 composite. The work does not only confirm the formation of 3D printing CF/PA12 composite with good mechanical properties, but also comprehensively clarifies the mechanism of the microwave radiation effect on 3D printing polymer composite based on carbon fiber.