A Targeted Functional Value Based Nanoclay/PA12 Composite Material Development for Selective Laser Sintering Process

The work presents an evaluation of possibilities of mixing Nanoclay with polyamide (nylon 12 or PA 12) powder in order to enhance fire retarding properties. Further the work deals to estimate making of part which are useful in daily use with Selective Laser Sintering process using the Nanoclay and PA12 mixture. To achieve the identical process condition in order to qualitatively compare the results with that of SLS fabricated parts, a pressure-less casting process is employed to prepare specimen of PA12 based composite powder (containing 0-15 wt % Nanoclay). Surface modified montmorillonite Nanoclay is used for reinforcing the cast parts of PA12. The composite powders are examined by material characterization techniques (SEM, DSC and XRD). The effects of Nanoclay on the thermal (viscosity, melt flow index, molecular weight etc.), and mechanical properties of the casted parts are investigated. The results show that the uniform dispersion of Nanoclay is achieved in the prepared specimen. The composite powder has much high thermal stability than pure PA12 material. On addition of such a small quantity of Nanoclay most of the mechanical properties and flammability properties are improved while elongation at break (%) decreased significantly. The study will be useful in making the value added parts using an alternate material.