Preliminary Characterization of Novel LDPE-Based Wear-Resistant Composite Suitable for FDM 3D Printing

• Published in: Materials Vol. 12; no. 16; p. 2520
• Main Authors: Olesik, Piotr, Godzierz, Marcin, Kozioł, Mateusz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 08.08.2019; MDPI
• Subjects: 3-D printers; Feed rate; Friction; Low density polyethylenes; Mechanical properties; Modulus of elasticity; Particulate composites; Polymers; Solid lubricants; Tensile tests; Three dimensional composites; Three dimensional models; Three dimensional printing; Tribology; Wear resistance; Poland; Germany; low-density polyethylene; wear; FDM printing; composite; friction; glass wastes
• ISSN: 1996-1944; 1996-1944
• DOI: 10.3390/ma12162520

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites reinforced with finely powdered waste glass were identified as a potential material for 3D printed structures for use in low-duty frictional applications. A recently published 3D printing model was used to calculate the limits in the filament feed rate and printing speed. Tribological tests (pin-on-disc method) of the printed composites were performed for different print-path directions. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed on the samples and the composites showed a higher crystallinity compared with LDPE, which partially explains the higher elastic modulus of the composites determined during static tensile tests. Using a fine glass powder as reinforcement improved the wear resistance of LDPE by 50% due to the formation of a sliding film on the sample’s surface. An evident effect of friction direction vs. the printed path direction on wear was found; which was likely related to differences in the removal of friction products from the friction area for different print-path directions. The LDPE composites with fine waste glass particles are promising materials for low-duty frictional applications and should be the subject of further research.