Experimental investigations on fused deposition modelling of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposite

Polymer-layered silicate (PLS) nanocomposites exhibit enhanced mechanical and thermal properties when compared with pristine polymers and macrocomposites. Utilizing the benefits of PLS nanocomposite in the fused deposition modelling (FDM) process is of great significance. It could assist to overcome the limitations imposed by availability of materials in the FDM process; the need to widen the range of materials is critical in order to fabricate parts with improved mechanical properties. Experimental investigations were carried out on the development and processing of PLS nanocomposite for the FDM process. Organically modified montmorillonite and polymer pellets were used to develop the nanocomposite. The mechanical properties and mesostructure were investigated experimentally. The nanocomposite was utilised to produce filament and was found to be suitable for use in FDM. Significant improvements in mechanical properties, reduced porosity and better neck formation were observed for the developed nanocomposite which marks the material as a promising candidate for the FDM process. The developed nanocomposite may reduce the gap for availability of materials for FDM in terms of improved mechanical properties. The work will assist to promote low-cost FDM processed parts for direct applications.