Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Post-Processing of Prosopis Chilensis/Polyethersulfone Composite (PCPC)

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Additive Manufacturing
• Sustainable Engineering

Background:

• Selective laser sintering (SLS) materials are limited and costly.
• Wood-plastic SLS parts exhibit low mechanical strength, hindering applications.
• Valorizing agricultural/forestry waste can reduce pollution and CO2 emissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, low-cost composite for SLS using Prosopis chilensis and polyethersulfone (PES).
• To investigate the formability, mechanical properties, and microstructure of the composite.
• To enhance the mechanical properties of the SLS parts through post-processing.

Main Methods:

• A Prosopis chilensis/polyethersulfone composite (PCPC) was synthesized.
• Single-layer experiments evaluated PCPC formability at various ratios.
• Mechanical properties (bending, tensile) and dimensional accuracy were assessed.
• Scanning electron microscopy examined microstructure and particle distribution.
• Post-processing infiltration (waxing) was employed to enhance strength.

Main Results:

• The 10/90 (wt/wt) PCPC composite showed the best formability and mechanical properties.
• Bending and tensile strengths of 10.78 MPa and 4.94 MPa were achieved for the 10/90 PCPC SLS part.
• Post-processing of PCPC parts with wax increased bending strength to 12.38 MPa and tensile strength to 5.73 MPa.
• Microstructure analysis revealed particle distribution within the composite.

Conclusions:

• The novel PCPC composite is a viable, cost-effective, and sustainable material for SLS applications.
• The 10/90 PCPC ratio offers optimal performance, with potential for further improvement via post-processing.
• This approach effectively valorizes waste materials, contributing to reduced environmental impact.