Title: A study on morphological properties of laser sintered functionally graded blends of amorphous thermoplastics

Authors: Janaina L. Leite, Gean Vitor Salmoria, Rodrigo A. Paggi, Carlos H. Ahrens, Antonio S. Pouzada

Addresses: CIMJECT – Departamento de Engenharia Mecanica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil. ' CIMJECT – Departamento de Engenharia Mecanica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil. ' CIMJECT – Departamento de Engenharia Mecanica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil. ' CIMJECT – Departamento de Engenharia Mecanica, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianopolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil. ' IPC-Institute for Polymers and Composites, University of Minho, Guimaraes, Portugal

Abstract: Parts with functionally graded composition of PMMA/PS blends manufactured by selective laser sintering are assessed in this study. The polymers and their blends were characterised by FTIR, SEM and DMA. The microstructure of PMMA and PS specimens are dependent on particle size and shape, laser absorption and flowability during processing. The FGM microstructures showed characteristics of the single polymers proportionally to their content. The PMMA/PS immiscibility was evidenced by fracture and DMA analysis. The initial material properties, the microstructure of the sintered blends and their mechanical properties are important to the design and optimal processing conditions of PMMA/PS FGM parts.

Keywords: FGM; functionally graded materials; SLS; selective laser sintering; PMMA; polymethylmethacrylate; polystyrene; morphology; amorphous thermoplastics; microstructure; on particle size; particle shape; laser absorption; flowability; immiscibility; fracture.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2010.034272

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2010 Vol.39 No.1/2, pp.205 - 221

Published online: 31 Jul 2010 *

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