Mechanical and thermal properties of photopolymer/CB (carbon black) nanocomposite for rapid prototyping

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the mechanical properties of photopolymer/CB (carbon black) nanocomposite when applied in a visible-light rapid prototyping (RP) machine.

Design/methodology/approach

The mechanical properties of the samples such as hardness and tensile strength along with thermal stability were analyzed. The curing time behavior of the photopolymer/CB nanocomposites was tested by using a rigid-body pendulum rheometer. The shrinkage property and dimensional stability were also analyzed using the technique according to ASTM D2566 and ASTM D1204, respectively.

Findings

The results showed that the prototype fabricated from pristine photopolymer tended to exhibit poor mechanical properties and low thermal stability. However, after adding the photopolymer with various concentrations of nano-CB and dispersant in appropriate composition, the photopolymer/CB nanocomposite prototype not only reduced its curing time but also enhanced its mechanical properties, thermal stability and dimensional stability.

Practical implications

The presented results can be used in a visible-light RP machine.

Originality/value

The mechanical and thermal properties of photopolymer are improved with nano-CB additives for a RP system.

Citation

Chiu, S.-H., Wicaksono, S.T., Chen, K.-T., Chen, C.-Y. and Pong, S.-H. (2015), "Mechanical and thermal properties of photopolymer/CB (carbon black) nanocomposite for rapid prototyping", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 262-269. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-11-2011-0124