About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T25: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
Additive Manufacturing of Polymeric-Based Materials: Potentials and Challenges
|
| Presentation Title |
From Bottles to Builds: Development of a Recycled PET Filament |
| Author(s) |
Pete Schupska, Luke Debruin, Ceylan Algan, Thomas Harris, Jacob Norris, Jason Walker |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Pete Schupska |
| Abstract Scope |
This project’s objective is to evaluate the performance and develop a commercialized recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) filament for fused deposition modeling (FDM). The application targets sustainable, cost-effective feedstock options for Department of Defense components. Multiple compound variations were produced, incorporating fibers and impact modifiers to assess their influence on printability and part performance. Each formulation was processed into test coupons via injection molding to downselect, and then FDM to characterize thermal and mechanical properties. Injection molded specimens served as a baseline, and testing revealed that certain additives enhanced performance while others introduced trade-offs; results informed selection for filament production before repeating the evaluation on FDM samples. This work informs formulation strategies for recycled AM materials and validates the use of injection molded benchmarks in predicting FDM part behavior across compound types. |