|
1
|
Michailidis N, Vidakis N, David C, Sagris D, Papadakis VM, Argyros A, Mountakis N, Spyridaki M, Petousis M. Valorization of Polymethylmethacrylate Scrap Reinforced with Nano Carbon Black with Optimized Ratio in Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing. Polymers (Basel) 2025; 17:1383. [PMID: 40430678 PMCID: PMC12114872 DOI: 10.3390/polym17101383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2025] [Revised: 05/14/2025] [Accepted: 05/15/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
To promote environmental sustainability, this research investigated the potential of utilizing recycled polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as raw material in material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM). To enhance its mechanical response, carbon black (CB) was employed as the filler in nanocomposite formation. Filament extrusion of the mixture at different concentrations produced printable feedstocks for MEX AM. Rheological analysis (viscosity and material flow rate) showed that the CB introduction to the matrix was beneficial for consistent layer deposition, while differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses verified the thermal stability of the nanocomposites during processing. Mechanical properties were optimized, with increases in modulus (27.8% and 25.8%, respectively, in tensile and bending loadings) and tensile strength at optimal CB loadings. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed the viscoelastic response of the nanocomposites. Raman and energy dispersive spectroscopy provided element-related insights. Surface morphology and parts structure were observed employing scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography, respectively, revealing a positive impact on the AM parts due to the CB presence in the nanocomposites. The 4 wt.% in CB content nanocomposite was the optimum one. This research pioneers the development of new sustainable nanocomposite filaments and highlights the potential of next-generation MEX-based AM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Michailidis
- Physical Metallurgy Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.M.); (A.A.)
- Centre for Research & Development of Advanced Materials (CERDAM), Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Centre, Building B’, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nectarios Vidakis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (N.V.); (N.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Constantine David
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, International Hellenic University, Serres Campus, 62124 Serres, Greece; (C.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Dimitrios Sagris
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, International Hellenic University, Serres Campus, 62124 Serres, Greece; (C.D.); (D.S.)
| | - Vassilis M. Papadakis
- Department of Industrial Design and Production Engineering, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece;
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IESL-FORTH)–Hellas, N. Plastira 100m, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Apostolos Argyros
- Physical Metallurgy Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (N.M.); (A.A.)
- Centre for Research & Development of Advanced Materials (CERDAM), Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Centre, Building B’, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi Road, 57001 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Mountakis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (N.V.); (N.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Spyridaki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (N.V.); (N.M.); (M.S.)
| | - Markos Petousis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece; (N.V.); (N.M.); (M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|