Microscopic void distribution of 3D printed polymer composites with different printing direction

The microscopic void distribution of 3D printed short fiber reinforced polymer composites with different printing direction was studied in this paper. The internal voids including the independent voids and connected voids were quantitatively counted by high-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography (mu CT) method. After the CT scan, the specimens were subjected to compression tests. Experimental results showed that the void volume of the specimens with the 0 degrees printing direction was much higher than that with 45 degrees/-45 degrees and 0 degrees/90 degrees printing di-rections, and the connected voids were dominant. By comparison, the out-of-plane compressive resistance of 0 degrees printed specimen was lower than that of the other two printing directions because of higher proportion of internal voids.

Automated summary

The distribution of microscopic voids in 3D printed short fiber reinforced polymer composites with different printing directions was investigated. High-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography (mu CT) was used to quantitatively count independent voids and connected voids. The experimental results showed that the void volume was significantly higher in specimens with a 0 degree printing direction compared to those with 45 degrees/-45 degrees and 0 degrees/90 degrees printing directions, with connected voids being the dominant type. Out-of-plane compressive resistance was lower in 0 degree printed specimens due to a higher proportion of internal voids.