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On mechanical and surface properties of electro-active polymer matrix-based 3D printed functionally graded prototypes

This research article reports the mechanical and surface properties of 3D printed electro-active polymer (EAP) matrix-based functionally graded prototypes with fused deposition modeling. The standard tensile specimens (per ASTM D-638-type IV) have been 3D printed using in-house developed feedstock filament. The EAP, polyvinyl diene fluoride (PVDF)-based matrix, has been used with the reinforcement of barium titanate (BT) and graphene (Gr) in this study. The fixed proportion of the polymer matrix composite comprising PVDF (78 wt%) + Gr (2 wt%) + BT (20 wt%) has been selected for 3D printing of smart polymer matrix. The results of mechanical testing suggested that the 3D printing of parts performed at 50 mm/s infill speed; infill angle of 45° at maximum density level (100%) has shown better mechanical strength (peak strength 42.98 MPa and break strength 40.70 MPa). The result of surface hardness has shown strong correlation with observed tensile properties. The microphotographs of fractured surfaces revealed that the parts fabricated at highest density have minimum porosity, resulting into better mechanical performance as compared to parts fabricated at lower density level. Further the results of mechanical testing have been supported by 3D rendered images and surface roughness profile.