The state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technology of continuous carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) is based on fused filament fabrication (FFF), which has a great potential for reproducing robust and complex geometries. However, 3D printed CFRP present relatively poor mechanical properties in comparison to traditional composites. This work analyses post-processing temperature effects on the microstructure and on the interlaminar mechanical properties of the printed CFRP. Post-processed pieces at 150°C (exceeding matrix glass transition) showed a reduction of porosity by 80% and improved mechanical properties by 250% with respect to unprocessed pieces.
Abstract
The state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technology of continuous carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) is based on fused filament fabrication (FFF), which has a great potential for reproducing robust and complex geometries. However, 3D printed CFRP [...]
Temperature effects on the microstructure and on the mechanical response of 3D printed continuous carbon fibre reinforced polymers 