A primary study into graphene/polyether ether ketone (PEEK) nanocomposite for laser sintering

• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2017.09.226
• Publication Date: 2017-09-28T20:18:19Z
• Authors: Binling Chen; Silvia Berretta; Ken Evans; Kaylie Smith; Oana Ghita
• Keywords: Selective laser sintering; Coalescence (physics)

This paper proposes two methods of preparation graphene/PEEK powders for Laser Sintering (LS) and investigates their behaviour in relation to microstructure properties. Thin composite films were fabricated an attempt replicate the thin layer formation powder bed process. Both (wet dry) led enhanced mechanical performance at 0.1 0.5 wt% graphene nano-platelets (GNP) concentrations. The TEM images show that GNP act as a nucleation point crystallisation PEEK, being centre spherulites. hot stage microscopy reveals 20 s delay onset GNP/PEEK nanocomposite coalescence comparison with plain PEEK. is very important observation laser sintering, it will influence build strategy specific parameters (e.g. time between layers deposition, multiple exposures). excellent electrical conductivity properties noticeable concentrations above 1 GNP.