Volume 3 Issue 3 (06)

Investigation of Thermal Properties and SEM Morphology of 3D Printed Polyglycolic Acid and Polyamide Composites

Pages 314-320

DOI 10.61552/JME.2025.03.006

K. Arunprasath ORCID, N. Parthipan ORCID, P. Amuthakkannan ORCID, V. Manikandan ORCID


Abstract: The study looks at the mechanical properties and scanning electron microscope (SEM) structure of polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polyamide (PA) composites that were 3D printed. The materials' distinctive mechanical characteristics and wide range of possible uses, especially in healthcare and engineering, informed our selection process. Using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing process, we created the composites with different ratios of PGA to PA. We wanted to see how the composition affected the mechanical performance and microstructural properties. Mechanical testing, which included examinations of tensile, compressive, and impact properties, determined the strength, stiffness, and toughness of composites. The findings suggest that PGA-PA composites demonstrate superior mechanical characteristics in comparison to their pure counterparts, showcasing greater tensile strength, improved stiffness, and increased elongation at break. The composites also exhibited substantial resilience, rendering them appropriate for high-stress applications. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis gave detailed information about the structure of the composites. It showed that the polyglycolic acid (PGA) is evenly mixed and spread out within the polyamide (PA) matrix. The examination of the fracture surface revealed a robust interfacial adhesion between PGA and PA, which played a significant role in the reported mechanical performance. The micrographs displayed characteristics such as plastic deformation and fibrillation, which suggest that the material has the capacity to absorb energy when subjected to mechanical stress. Ultimately, the study showcases the capabilities of PGA-PA composites in the realm of 3D printing. The incorporation of these materials leads to enhanced mechanical properties and desirable morphological features, indicating their appropriateness for use in biomedical devices, structural elements, and other sophisticated manufacturing industries.

Keywords: 3D printing, Polyglycolic, Polyamide (PA), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Recieved: 06.08.2024, Revised: 12.09.2024, Accepted: 15.10.2024

Publication Information

Publisher

Editor-in-Chief
Frequency
Quarterly
Print ISSN
Online ISSN