Effect of water conditioning on the fracture behavior of PA12 composites processed by selective laser sintering

► Glass micro-spheres increment PA12 porosity and, hence, its water uptake. ► However, the fracture toughness of PA12 is increased by glass micro-spheres addition. ► Selective laser sintered PA12 becomes brittle upon water conditioning at 90 °C. ► Hard particles prevent the PA12 ductile-brittle transition due to water conditioning to happen.