Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the process of manufacturing objects using computer control software such as CAD/ STL files and continuous layers of material. This process sees products built on a layer-to-layer basis of materials, including polymers. These polymers include the following: acrylonitile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), polylactide (PLA) and polycarbonate (PC). Because 3D printers are increasing in popularity within manufacturing industries, there has been a boom in the research of the printing of composites. Alongside it, the use and applications of PCMs have also expanded thanks to their myriad useful features, like low density, competitive cost and flexibility. It seems now that 3D printers are not mere machines, but instruments integral in the coming fourth industrial revolution. Their potential capabilities must be explored.
The methodology conducted in this research study includes the following: First, an average of 30 parent polylactide (PLA) material samples were printed following the recommendation on ASTM D638 – 02a tensile testing, then carbon nanofiber was mixed with chloroform using the weight ratio 1.2 wt% to form a functionalized solution. This solution was included in PLA during the printing process using a normal paint brush after specific time intervals. An average of 30 samples of the developed composite material was printed as well. Round samples for both parent material and composite material were printed for Rockwell hardness testing and microstructure. The tensile specimens printed were used for a tensile test...
M.Tech. (Mechanical Engineering)