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Eutectic In Situ Modification of Polyamide 12 Processed through Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion
Samuel Schlicht1,2, Dietmar Drummer1,2
1Institute of Polymer Technology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Am Weichselgarten 10, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 11, 2023
Summary
This study explores modifying polymers for laser-based powder bed fusion (LPBF) by blending p-aminobenzoic acid with polyamide 12. This innovative approach lowers processing temperatures and enhances material properties for additive manufacturing.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Laser-based powder bed fusion (LPBF) enables high-performance polymer component manufacturing.
- Current LPBF polymer systems face limitations in material choices and require high processing temperatures.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate in situ material modification for LPBF using powder blends.
- Develop energy-efficient eutectic polyamides with tailored properties.
Main Methods:
- Powder blending of p-aminobenzoic acid and aliphatic polyamide 12.
- Laser-based additive manufacturing of prepared powder blends.
- Characterization using mechanical testing, thermal analysis, and infrared spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Reduced processing temperatures achieved, enabling polyamide 12 processing at 141.5 °C.
- 20 wt% p-aminobenzoic acid blend increased elongation at break to 24.65% ± 2.87.
- Suppression of crystalline fractions led to amorphous material properties; increased secondary amides observed.
Conclusions:
- In situ powder blending offers a novel method for energy-efficient eutectic polyamide preparation.
- This approach allows for tailored material systems with adaptable thermal, chemical, and mechanical properties for additive manufacturing.
- The study demonstrates a pathway to overcome limitations in current LPBF polymer systems.
