Morphology of polymeric powders in Laser Sintering (LS): From Polyamide to new PEEK powders

• Published in: European polymer journal Vol. 59; pp. 218 - 229
• Main Authors: Berretta, S., Ghita, O., Evans, K.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Ethers; Exact sciences and technology; Flow; Flow characteristics; Laser sintering; Machinery and processing; Miscellaneous; Morphology; Particle size distribution; Particles; Plastics; Polyamide resins; Polyetheretherketone; Polyetheretherketones; Polyetherketones; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Polyetheretherketone; Laser sintering; Morphology; Particles; Flow; Nylon; Glass; Hydroxyapatite; Non spherical particle; Experimental study; Composite particles; Flowability; Particle size distribution; Roundness; Calcium carbonate; Microparticle; Technological properties; Commercial form; Particle shape; Comparative study
• ISSN: 0014-3057; 1873-1945
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2014.08.004

[Display omitted] •Study on new Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) powders for laser sintering.•Analysis of the incorporation of fillers and additives in PEEK powders.•Particle size distribution tests do not allow ordering materials in terms of flow.•Particle morphology has a strong influence on the flow behaviour. In an attempt to expand the range of engineering polymers used for laser sintering, this paper examines the morphology, flowability and interparticle interactions of two commercially available Poly (ether ether) ketone (PEEK) powders, not yet optimised for the LS process, by comparison with the LS optimised Polyamide (PA) and Polyetherketone (PEK) powdered polymers. The effect of incorporating fillers and additives on the flow behaviour is also analysed. The Particle Size Distribution (PSD) results alone do not allow ranking the powder materials in relation to the flow behaviour. The particle morphology has a stronger influence on the flow characteristics for materials with similar PSDs. The work also provides additional characterisation parameters to be considered when analysing LS powders.