The synthesis of epoxy resin coated Al₂O₃ composites for selective laser sintering 3D printing

Abstract

Purpose

To prepare a new type of composite for selective laser sintering 3D printing, the surface of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles was modified by the coupling agent (3-methacryloxypropyl)-trimethoxy silane (KH570) before coated with thermoplastic epoxy resin (TER).

Design/methodology/approach

Laser diffraction confirmed that the size distribution of prepared powder materials in this study ranged between 20 to 80 µm. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the loading of organic matter was below 5 per cent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the silane coupling agent molecule bound strongly with the alumina. X-ray diffraction confirmed the prepared powder materials to be α-alumina. Through the angle of repose (AOR) test, the AOR = 18.435º was obtained, suggesting the high flowability of prepared powder materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation demonstrated that the shape of the prepared powder materials was sphere-like grains.

Findings

Molding properties of prepared powder materials were studied on the basis of particle size distribution, particle size, sphericity, crystal structure and the reaction mode of the TER. This prepared powder materials can be well applied to the production of epoxy resin-coated Al₂O₃ composite parts with high precision and good mechanical performance.

Originality/value

This composite can be well applied to the production of epoxy resin-coated Al₂O₃ composite parts with high precision and good mechanical performance.

Citation

Yang, Q., Li, H., Zhai, Y., Li, X. and Zhang, P. (2018), "The synthesis of epoxy resin coated Al₂O₃ composites for selective laser sintering 3D printing", Rapid Prototyping Journal, Vol. 24 No. 6, pp. 1059-1066. https://doi.org/10.1108/RPJ-09-2017-0189