About this Abstract |
Meeting |
2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
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Symposium
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2025 Annual International Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium (SFF Symp 2025)
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Presentation Title |
Experimental Investigations and In-Situ Thermal Monitoring of Thermoplastic Polyurethane-Modified Epoxy Thermosetting Polymer Networks in Selective Laser Sintering |
Author(s) |
Jairam Raigar, Rajkumar Velu, Hadi Bakhshi |
On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jairam Raigar |
Abstract Scope |
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) of thermoplastic-polymers is generally processed at temperatures (~175-250°C) to attain proper coalescence without defects. However, it occasionally result in early aging and lack of thermo-mechanical properties. To overcome limitations, incorporating thermosetting-based polymers in SLS is a promising solution for fabricating parts at lower temperatures with covalently crosslinked structures with exceptional mechanical strength and thermal stability. This study investigates the processability of thermosetting-epoxy and TPU powder at three different weight proportions, TPU/Epoxy: 25/75, 50/50, and 75/25 via SLS. The formulated powder compositions thermally and microscopically characterized to assess their intrinsic/extrinsic properties. A series of SLS experimental trails with varied laser powers and scanning speeds, along with in-situ infrared thermal monitoring, are conducted to investigate precise mapping of temperature distribution with laser-induced curing/polymerization and microstructure. The study highlights importance of understanding interplay between thermal gradients and processing conditions in achieving uniform crosslinking and stable TPU/Epoxy polymer networks. |
Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Post-meeting proceedings |