Title: Advancements in Short-Fiber Composites VIA Stereolithography

Authors: Patrick G. Simpson, Michael J. Holthaus, and Chad A. Ulven

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/c.19.0805

Abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of using a dual curing system, consisting of a photo and thermal initiator, for the additive manufacturing of carbon fiber short-fiber composites via stereolithography. Optimal processing parameters were developed that resulted in successful printing and curing of composites containing a 5 % fiber volume. The effects of layer height and print orientation of the short-fiber composites were evaluated for their influence on the material properties. To determine the effects of the printing process on the manufacturing of short-fiber composite the void content of the composite, fiber volume consistency, and resin viscosity were evaluated. For a layer height of 100 μm a void content of 1.3 % was found, while a layer height of 50 μm had a void content of 0.7 %. The addition of the carbon fiber to the resin was shown to increase the viscosity of the resin by 57 %, but with the addition of the liquid thermal initiator into the system it was lowered to only a 26 % increase. There was no increase in the flexural modulus or fracture toughness, and a slight decrease in the tensile and flexural strength of the short-fiber composites was observed. This was found to be due to weak fiber/matrix interfacial properties, a wide fiber length distribution, and issues with fiber volume consistency. An increase in the tensile modulus was achieved and it was observed to be manipulated with adjustments to layer height and part orientation. The carbon fiber samples showed an increase in Young’s modulus of 21 % for a 100 μm layer height, and a 27 % for a 50 μm layer height.

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Conference: CAMX 2019

Publication Date: 2019/09/23

SKU: TP19-0805

Pages: 13

Price: $26.00