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Optimizing Interfacial Adhesion and Mechanical Performance of Multimaterial Joints Fabricated by Material Extrusion
Jakub Zatloukal1, Mathieu Viry2, Aleš Mizera3
1Faculty of Technology, Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Vavreckova 5669, 760 01 Zlin, Czech Republic.
This study enhances multimaterial 3D printing by optimizing interlayer adhesion between polymers like polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Specific bonding strategies nearly doubled joint strength, improving the mechanical reliability of 3D-printed parts.
Area of Science:
- Additive Manufacturing
- Materials Science
- Polymer Engineering
Background:
- Multimaterial 3D printing enables complex functional parts for automotive, aerospace, and engineering.
- Interlayer adhesion between dissimilar polymers is a critical challenge affecting mechanical reliability.
- Commonly used polymers include polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the adhesion properties of PC, ASA, PLA, and PETG in multimaterial 3D printing.
- To enhance the mechanical performance of structural joints through optimized interlayer bonding techniques.
- To provide practical approaches for improving the durability and functionality of 3D-printed structures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Material Extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing method.
- Employed tensile testing to evaluate the mechanical strength of co-deposited and bonded material layers.
- Investigated the effects of material combinations, interfacial contact area, and interlayer bonding pressure.
Main Results:
- Specific material combinations and joint designs significantly enhance tensile strength.
- Increasing interfacial contact area and applying interlayer bonding pressure improved joint performance.
- Polycarbonate/Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PC/PETG) composite joint strength increased from 15.2 MPa to 29.9 MPa with interlayer bonding, nearly doubling the bond strength.
Conclusions:
- Optimized interlayer bonding strategies are effective in improving the mechanical reliability of multimaterial 3D-printed joints.
- Findings offer practical insights for advancing multimaterial additive manufacturing.
- This research supports the development of high-performance 3D-printed components for demanding applications.
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