Flexural response of 3D printed continuous carbon fiber reinforced photocurable polymer composites
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Additive manufacturing of continuous fiber‐reinforced composites facilitates complex geometries and optimized properties. Using robotics in 3D printing enables strategic fiber distribution and metered resin impregnation. This research seeks to characterize the properties of 3D printed fiber composites as a function of stacking sequence, including unidirectional ([0°]18 and [90°]18), cross‐ply ([90°/0°]9 and [±45°]9), and quasi‐isotropic ([0°/∓[20°/40°/60°/80°]]s) layup schedules, and carbon fiber tow type (i.e., T1100, T800, and IM7). The geometric accuracy was evaluated by comparing the achieved and targeted panel dimensions, showing negligible differences and substantiating the translational potential of this additive manufacturing platform. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed the fiber volume fraction (ca. 50% irrespective of stacking sequence or fiber type) and resin residuals (remnant solid content after pyrolysis). Flexural samples were tested under quasi‐static conditions to investigate the influence of the fiber tow type and stacking sequence on the mechanical performance, exceeding previously reported 3D printed panels with thermoplastic and thermosetting matrices. Digital image correlation bolstered the flexural results by delineating the strain field, leading to additional insights about the flexural performance of the additive manufactured composites. The outcomes transcend the state‐of‐the‐art 3D printing of composite materials and accelerate their translational potential. Highlights Robotic 3D‐printed carbon fiber‐photocurable resin composites. 3D printing method results in repeatable geometric and thermogravimetric properties. Flexural properties were investigated as a function of fiber orientation and type. Digital image correlation quantified strain distribution in composite samples. Mechanical performance was compared with state‐of‐the‐art in literature.
Source: Polymer Composites
DOI: 10.1002/pc.29427
Authors: George Youssef, Anil Singh, Sean Eckstein, Ansel Flanagan, Paul Kauvaka
Institution: San Diego State University
Language: English
Subfield: Automotive Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF ADDITIVELY MANUFACTURED POLYMERS AND COMPOSITES, IN-SITU CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF IMPACT MITIGATING POLYMERS, NEW START REP GRANT ENTITLED, "NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION OF 3D PRINTED COMPOSITES USING TERAHERTZ WAVES", DYNAMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMERS AND POLYMER-BASED COMPOSITES
OpenAlex ID: W4405814586