Production of different metal oxide nanoparticle embedded polymer matrix composite structures by the additive manufacturing technology and investigation of their properties

Abstract

Metal oxide nano additives are widely used as a second phase modifier as they improve the properties of the matrix materials. Nano additives also supply various advantages for polymers which can be employed in additive manufacturing methods. Among the additive manufacturing methods, stereolithography is one of the most remarkable to produce nano-modified polymers because of the easy nano modification of the photocurable resins. In the present study, we mixed the metal oxide particles; Fe2O3, ZnO, NiO, Al2O3, TiO2, and MgO with the photocurable epoxy and used the mixtures to print the specimens. We investigated the structural morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the printed specimens with an optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, differential thermogravimetric analysis, and microhardness, respectively. Findings proved the dilute agglomeration of the nano additives. Besides, nano additives can improve the thermal stability of the photo-cured polymer. The microhardness of the Fe2O3 added polymers reached 27.63 HV levels while it was measured as 16.16 HV for the pristine samples (similar to 70% raise was experienced). The maximum degradation temperatures of the polymer nanocomposite structures were measured in the range of 396-420 degrees C.