Improving thermomechanical properties of fused filament fabrication printed parts by using nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to assess the viability of nanocomposites in fused filament fabrication. Polylactide/organo-modified layered silicate materials have been studied in terms of structure and properties evolution through the whole manufacturing chain, and for thermomechanical optimisation. The method included the optimisation by the composite formulation and by the additive manufacturing process by experimental designs. A competition between flow thinning of the molten composite and stiffness of the input filament with the addition of filler allows an enhanced printability at intermediate loadings. The method provides an optimisation of the final parts, enabling similar or greater tensile properties, while providing better thermal stability, with additively manufactured nanocomposite materials compared to conventionally manufactured polymers.