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Tribological and Structural Properties of Copper-Coated 3D-Printed Parts from Biodegradable Polymers
Mihaela Feraru Ilie1, Simona-Nicoleta Mazurchevici1, Nicoleta-Monica Lohan2
1Department of Machine Manufacturing Technology, "Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University of Iasi, 700050 Iasi, Romania.
Micromachines
|January 25, 2025
Summary
Biodegradable polymers like PLA were coated with bronze alloy powders using Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS). The coated materials exhibited enhanced thermal and tribological properties, suitable for demanding applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Biodegradable polymers (PLA, HD PLA Green) offer sustainable material solutions.
- Enhancing polymer properties is crucial for expanding their application range.
- Surface modification techniques can impart new functionalities to polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of bronze alloy powder coatings on biodegradable polymers.
- To evaluate the surface quality, microstructure, morphology, thermal, and tribological properties of coated samples.
- To determine the suitability of coated biodegradable polymers for applications under adverse conditions.
Main Methods:
- Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) technique for coating application.
- Coating with Metco 51F-NS (Cu 9.5Al 1.2Fe) and Metco 445 (Cu 9.5Al) bronze alloy powders.
- Analysis of surface quality, microstructure, morphology, thermal stability, and tribological behavior (micro-indentation, scratch tests).
Main Results:
- Uniform deposition achieved with Metco 51F-NS composite powder.
- Coated samples showed thermal stability up to ~200 °C, with matrix carbonization around 350 °C.
- Micro-indentation and scratch analysis revealed significant influence from the semicrystalline structure and powder compounds.
Conclusions:
- Bronze alloy coatings enhance the characteristics of biodegradable polymers.
- Coated biodegradable polymer parts demonstrate suitability for applications in adverse operating conditions.
- Copper microparticle coatings improve the performance of PLA and HD PLA Green for specialized uses.
