Multi jet fusion of ZnO nanorod-reinforced PA12 nanocomposites

Abstract

This study focuses on the development and characterization of Polyamide 12 (PA12) composites with isotropic mechanical enhancements using Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) techniques, particularly Multi Jet Fusion (MJF). The project aims to overcome the limitations of traditional short-chopped fibre-reinforced polymers, which often exhibit anisotropic properties, by integrating nanofillers into PA12 matrices. There are many different types of reinforcement methods for polymer matrices. Metal oxide nanorods exhibit potential with PA12 which greatly enhances its properties of the MJF-printed parts. To further improve the mechanical performance ZnO were being surfaced modified to enhance the nanofiller polymer compatibility leading to the improvement of powder. Surface modified ZnO nanorods (SMZnO) improves powder flowability which is important to the formation of undesired defects which deteriorate the mechanical properties. Nanorods can helps to eliminate the shear induced alignment of short fibres. Together, this work provides a superior mechanical performance polymeric nano composite for the additive manufacturing. The objectives include reviewing literature on reinforced fillers for PBF in polymeric composites, developing effective nanofillers for PA12 composites, and systematically characterizing the fabricated specimens through MJF. The methodology involves synthesizing and modifying ZnO nanorods for incorporation into PA12 composites, followed by MJF printing and mechanical characterization. Results demonstrate successful synthesis and modification of ZnO nanorods, improved flowability in composite powders, and enhanced mechanical properties at optimal filler loading levels. SEM and FTIR analysis confirm the successful modification and purity of the nanorods. Overall, this study contributes to advancing additive manufacturing technology by developing PA12 composites with isotropic mechanical enhancements, suitable for a wide range of engineering applications.