Rheological Properties of Polyphenylene Sulfone-Based Compositions as a Basis for Powder Injection Molding and 3D Printing Technology

Abstract

The rheological properties of suspensions based on paraffin and LDPE, in which polyphenylene sulfone powder is dispersed, intended for powder injection molding and 3D printing were studied. Compositions with a polymer content of up to 50 vol % are pseudoplastic liquids that lose their flow ability upon reaching 60 vol %. Suspensions with 30 and 40 vol % polyphenylene sulfone have optimal technological properties during injection molding, combining the required rheological properties and strength of products. At the same time, compositions with PE have sufficient fluidity only at 180°C, while elastic deformations dominate at lower temperatures. The best quality of 3D printing is achieved using a composition based on a matrix of paraffin and PE (30 : 70), with a polyphenylene sulfone content of 40 vol %.