Abstract
Linear and non-linear viscoelasticity, relaxation behavior and steady shear viscosity of polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites filled with 1.5–9 wt.% graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are studied to gain control on printability. Results show strongly increased rheological characteristics, good dispersion, small fractal size and very low percolation threshold of MWCNTs in PLA, with limited printability at 9 wt.% filler content. This is associated with strong particle-particle and polymer-particle interactions in MWCNT/PLA nanocomposites due to the large surface area, needle shape and functionalization of MWCNT. In contrast, a significant lubrication effect of the non-functionalized GNPs is observed and associated with hydrodynamic slip and alignment of the large nanoplatelets in the shear flow direction, which facilitated printability. Based on the computer fluid dynamics modeling, an “elastic turbulence” phenomenon, as a plug flow of nanocomposite melt is observed, which cause clogging in the nozzle. The GNPs decrease the wall viscosity, drag force coefficient, and the elastic number (Weissenberg to Reynolds numbers), due to the lubricant flow at the nozzle wall. In contrast, the MWCNTs strongly increase the “elastic turbulence” parameters and resist flow. Numerical simulations of the shear rates and the corresponding steady-shear viscosities in the “printing window” near to the nozzle wall are found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. The main rheological characteristics and numerical parameters that control the printability of nanocomposite filament are determined. These findings will contribute to the development and optimization of novel printable nanocomposite materials with anisotropic fillers.
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The authors are grateful to H2020-MSCA-RISE-2016-734164 Graphene 3D and H2020-SGS-FET-Graphene Flagship-881603 Graphene Core 3 projects for the financial support. The authors thank Dr. V. Georgiev for the fabrication of filaments and Dr. D. Menseidov for 3D printing of example structures.
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Kotsilkova, R., Tabakova, S. & Ivanova, R. Effect of graphene nanoplatelets and multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the viscous and viscoelastic properties and printability of polylactide nanocomposites. Mech Time-Depend Mater 26, 611–632 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11043-021-09503-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11043-021-09503-2