Composite for potential biomedical application: Mechanical properties of polyethylene terephthalate-based composite in fused deposition modeling

Abstract

Biocompatible thermoplastic polymers are widely used in the manufacturing industry due to their advantages, such as odorless, lightness, and compatibility with living structures. In the study, objects were produced using the additive manufacturing method with polyethylene terephthalate matrix and methyl methacrylate reinforced composites (polyethylene terephthalate/methyl methacrylate). The fused deposition modeling method was used in the production of the objects. The mechanical of the manufactured composites was carried out. For this purpose, mechanical, crystallographic, and morphological properties of the samples were investigated. Mechanical property tests included tensile strength, impact strength, and microhardness measurements. Scanning electron microscope images and X-ray diffraction patterns were used for structural and morphological analyses. The composite containing 12% methyl methacrylate by weight exhibited the highest elongation percentage. Compared to pure polyethylene terephthalate polymer, the elongation at break of this composite increased by 127.5%. Surface hardness analyses showed that surface hardness decreased as methyl methacrylate content increased. The lowest surface hardness value was observed in the composite containing 12% methyl methacrylate, and the surface hardness value was 8.55% lower than that of pure polyethylene terephthalate.