Effect of temperature on the fracture behavior of polyamide 12 and glass-filled polyamide 12 processed by selective laser sintering

The influence of the orientation and of the temperature on the mechanical properties of the polyamide 12 (PA12) and the polyamide 12 reinforced with glass beads processed via Selective Laser Sintering was analyzed. Tensile and fracture tests were performed at -50 degrees C, 23 degrees C and 50 degrees C with applied load perpendicular and parallel to the layered structure. The fracture resistance of PA12 was higher than that of the composite due to the poor adhesion of the glass beads to the matrix. The fracture behavior of the composite was unaffected by the temperature and the orientation. J(IC) values of PA12 were similar at -50 degrees C and at 23 degrees C and much lower than at 50 degrees C. The anisotropy was relevant during the stable crack growth.