Characterization and optimization for mechanical and wear performance of reinforced Nylon-12/carbon fiber matrix

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical properties of 3D-printed Nylon-12 carbon fiber (CF) composite specimens, focusing on the influence of key processing parameters. Tensile, flexural, and impact strengths were thoroughly examined, along with wear analysis and morphological assessment. The specimens were printed with varying print speeds (10 to 50 mm/s), layer heights (0.03 to 0.15 mm), and infill patterns (hexagon, linear, and diamond). The results revealed a strong relationship between mechanical performance and both layer height and infill pattern. Higher layer heights negatively impacted tensile and flexural strengths due to weaker interlayer adhesion. Among the infill patterns, the linear configuration consistently provided the best tensile, flexural, and impact performance. A maximum tensile stress of 53.74 MPa was recorded with a 0.03 mm layer height, 10 mm/s print speed, and hexagonal infill pattern, while the highest flexural strength (98.97 MPa) and impact strength (21.35 kJ/m²) were achieved with a 30 mm/s print speed, 0.03 mm layer height, and linear infill. ANOVA analysis highlighted infill pattern as the most critical factor influencing mechanical properties, followed by layer height and print speed. Optimized parameters (50 mm/s print speed, 0.06 mm layer height, and linear infill) produced superior results. Wear analysis and SEM observations further supported the mechanical trends, emphasizing material durability and process optimization.