Abstract:
The paper focuses on the investigation of the 3D printing of multi-functional composites using graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). The constituents of the composite used in this study were LLDPE (92wt.%), polypyrrole (PPY) (2wt.%) and graphene nanoplatelets (6wt.%). The investigation adopted a holistic approach to assess the properties of 3D printed GNP-LLDPE composites and compared the composite’s mechanical and electrical properties with those of compression moulded composites and neat LLDPE to identify the factors that influence the discrepancies. Hence, a variety of evaluation methods, such as tensile and flexural tests, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, have been used to assess the influencing factors. This study showed that the 3D printed composites had excellent mechanical properties, though slightly lower compared to those of compression moulded composites. The nominal increases of 3D printed samples compared to neat polymer were 13.2% (tensile strength), 31.9% (flexural strength), 29.4% (flexural modulus) and 24.7% (storage modulus). Polymethyl methacrylate composites, replacing LLDPE, were also developed by 3D printing, which drastically enhanced mechanical strengths, and electrical and thermal conductivities compared to its compression moulded samples, but those properties were found to be lower compared to those of LLDPE composites.
