A study on morphological properties of laser sintered functionally graded blends of amorphous thermoplastics

Parts with functionally graded composition of PMMA/PS blends manufactured by selective laser sintering are assessed in this study. The polymers and their blends were characterised by FTIR, SEM and DMA. The microstructure of PMMA and PS specimens are dependent on particle size and shape, laser absorption and flowability during processing. The FGM microstructures showed characteristics of the single polymers proportionally to their content. The PMMA/PS immiscibility was evidenced by fracture and DMA analysis. The initial material properties, the microstructure of the sintered blends and their mechanical properties are important to the design and optimal processing conditions of PMMA/PS FGM parts.