On flexural and pull out properties of smart polymer based 3D printed functional prototypes

In past one decade, the 3D printing of smart polymers/composites by using fused deposition modelling (FDM) for dynamic 4D applications has been widely reported. Some studies have outlined tensile, surface, morphological and piezoelectric properties of barium titanate (BT) and graphene (Gr) reinforced polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix for 4D applications. But hitherto little has been reported on flexural and pull-out properties of PVDF matrix, which is one of the major requirements in typical structural/non-structural applications. In this research work an in-house prepared smart polymer matrix-based feedstock filament (comprising of PVDF-78% by wt. + Gr-2% by wt. + BT-20% by wt.) has been used for 3D printing of functional prototypes. The 3D printed flexural and pull-out specimens of PVDF-78% by wt. + Gr-2% by wt. + BT-20% were tested for functional ability. The multi optimization has been used to optimize the printing conditions of FDM. It has been ascertained from the multi-optimization that infill speed (IS) 70 mm/s, infill angle (IA) 45 degrees, and infill density (ID) 100% are the best printing conditions. Further, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) based photo-micrographic analysis was performed on the fractured surfaces of samples. The results of mechanical testing have been supported by 3D rendered images, surface roughness (Ra) profile, and area mapping for dispersion of elements in the composite matrix of the printed specimens.