Effect of Hot-Pressing Temperature on β-Phase Formulation in 3D-Printed Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Engineering
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a versatile polymer with piezoelectric properties.
• Improving PVDF's surface quality and performance is crucial for advanced applications.
• Conventional processing methods may not fully optimize PVDF's potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the synergistic effects of 3D printing and hot-pressing on PVDF.
• To enhance the surface morphology, crystallinity, and mechanical/electrical properties of 3D-printed PVDF.
• To determine optimal hot-pressing parameters for improved PVDF performance.

Main Methods:

• PVDF filament characterization (rheology, DSC, TGA, extrusion tests).
• 3D printing of PVDF samples using an Ultimaker S5 printer.
• Hot-pressing of printed samples at various temperatures (100-200 °C).
• Post-processing analysis: morphology, FTIR, XRD, DSC, tensile, and electrical tests.

Main Results:

• Hot-pressing smoothed the surface and reduced pore formation in 3D-printed PVDF.
• Enhanced β-phase diffraction and crystal ordering observed via FTIR and XRD.
• Improved thermal stability with a slight increase in melting temperature (DSC).
• Optimal hot-pressing at 150-175 °C yielded higher strength and flexibility (tensile tests).
• More consistent and uniform electrical conductivity demonstrated through I-V testing.

Conclusions:

• The combined 3D printing and hot-pressing technique effectively improves PVDF properties.
• Hot-pressing enhances surface quality, crystallinity, thermal stability, mechanical strength, flexibility, and electrical performance.
• This integrated approach offers a pathway to more reliable and high-performance 3D-printed PVDF components.