Study of compressive behaviour on 3D printed PETG polymer lattice structures infilled with epoxy resin

Abstract

In this study Functionally Graded Lattice structures and Solid Structures are Additively Manufactured (AM). The mechanical strength of AM parts can be improved by combining the properties of resins with polymers (Infiltration), which is applicable for open internal structures. Fused deposition modelling process is employed for fabricating, Solid and Lattice structures (Crisscross and Honeycomb). The fabricated lattice structures are subjected to pressureless resin infiltration process. Solid structures and Lattice structures (with & without infiltration) are tested for their compressive behaviour, ASTM D695. Compressive strength of lattice structures (with infiltration) are observed as 36.725 and 21.87 (Mpa), lattice structures (without infiltration) exhibits 27.65 and 19.60 (Mpa) and solid structures shown 11.7 Mpa. The results suggests that infilled lattice structures shows fine compressive behaviour compared to solid and lattice structures (without infiltration). The interface strength at the boundary region was observed better in Honeycomb type infiltration than crisscross type because of its increased sharp corners that providing interlocking phenomenon. The Scanning Electron Microscope images shown the good adhesive bonding in the interface boundary region of all the infiltrated samples which promises the usage of this technique in developing more hybrid composites.