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Material Extrusion 3D Printing of PEEK-Based Composites
Thomas Hanemann1,2, Alexander Klein1, Siegfried Baumgärtner1
1Institute for Applied Materials, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, D-76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
Polymers
|August 26, 2023
Summary
This study enhanced polyetheretherketone (PEEK) for 3D printing by adding carbon nanotubes and copper particles. While tensile strength remained similar, thermal conductivity improved, highlighting compounding
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Engineering
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- High-performance thermoplastics like polyetheretherketone (PEEK) are crucial for structural applications.
- Additive manufacturing (AM) expands PEEK's utility, particularly for mold inserts in polymer processing.
- Mold inserts require mechanical stability, low surface roughness, and good thermal conductivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance thermomechanical properties and thermal conductivity of PEEK composites for AM.
- To investigate the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and copper particles on PEEK.
- To analyze the influence of material extrusion (MEX) printing conditions on PEEK composite properties.
Main Methods:
- PEEK was doped with 6 wt% CNT and 10 wt% copper particles.
- Composites were processed into filaments using a combined compounder and filament maker for MEX 3D printing.
- Properties were evaluated using tensile testing, fracture imaging, surface roughness measurements, and thermal conductivity analysis (laser-flash, DSC, Archimedes).
Main Results:
- Filler addition did not significantly alter tensile strength compared to pure PEEK.
- Good printing quality was observed, with minimal voids.
- Higher printing temperatures reduced surface roughness and enhanced ductility.
- Thermal conductivity was increased by CNT addition.
- Compounding homogeneity is critical for reliable filament quality and property prediction.
Conclusions:
- PEEK composites with CNT and copper show potential for 3D printed mold inserts.
- MEX printing parameters influence surface roughness and mechanical behavior.
- Achieving consistent material properties relies heavily on the initial compounding process and homogeneous filler distribution.
