Preparation and properties of styrene ethylene butylene styrene / polypropylene thermoplastic elastomer powder for selective laser sintering 3D printing

As one of the most important thermoplastic elastomer materials, the application of styrene ethylene butylene styrene (SEBS) in selective laser sintering (SLS) has not been reported. In this study, SEBS and polypropylene (PP) are blended and then pulverized at low temperatures. We find that SEBS with high molecular weight and styrene segment content is difficult to melt and flow under laser irradiation, which is not suitable for SLS 3D printing. SEBS with low molecular weight can be printed, and its tensile properties can reach 2.1Mpa and 134% elongation at break. We test the enhanced absorption effect of two different infrared absorbers and find that graphene (GE) can enhance absorption mainly rely on its special structure to increase the optical path of the laser. The absorption enhancement effect of each enhancer rises first and then decreases. 0.4 parts per thousand addition of GE can bring 22.5% enhancement. With the enhancement of GE, we get a product of 2.8 MPa tensile strength and 176% elongation at break.

Automated summary

This study found that high molecular weight SEBS with high styrene content is not suitable for SLS 3D printing, while low molecular weight SEBS can be used. Graphene as an infrared absorber can enhance laser absorption, leading to improved tensile strength and elongation at break in the final product.