3D printing and properties of carbon nanotube modified basalt fiber/nylon 6 composites

Abstract

This study modified basalt fibers (BFs) by cyclic soaking and drying in an aqueous carbon nanotube (CNT) dispersion. Melt mixing was employed to prepare the unmodified and modified 10 wt% BFs reinforced nylon 6 (PA6) composites, which were subsequently granulated for fused granular fabrication (FGF) 3D printing. The results showed that the CNT content on the fiber surface increased with increased modification time. The warping degree of 3D-printed samples was reduced significantly by adding BFs. The results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that adding BFs improved the thermal stability and crystallization temperature of PA6. The samples' tensile and flexural properties were remarkably enhanced by the CNT modification of BFs. The mechanical properties of 3D-printed and hot-pressed samples were in close approximation, indicating a robust interfacial interaction between modified BFs and the PA6 matrix. At the modification time of 45 min, the BF/PA6 composite with 0.04 wt% CNTs demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and wear resistance. Compared with PA6 and unmodified composites, the modified composite's tensile strength was increased by 122.5 % and 44.6 %, and the friction coefficient was reduced by 36.1 % and 33.4 %, respectively.