Shape recovery characteristics of SiC/C/PLA composite filaments and 3D printed parts

The shape recovery characteristics of SiC and Carbon filled (poly) lactic acid (PLA) filaments extruded for use with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and parts printed with FDM have been analyzed. The SiC/C/PLA composite filaments were made with particle loading up to a maximum weight fraction of 60%. The shape recovery characteristics of the filaments and printed parts were tested with bending and tensile loads. Two parameters, recovery rate and recovery time were defined and monitored during the shape recovery process. This study shows that the recovery time can be correlated to the thermal conductivity of the material. The results show a viable method for tailoring the recovery time. Furthermore, tensile specimens were 3D printed and the shape recovery behavior can be observed in the printed structures. This paper describes fabrication methods, Shape Memory Polymer (SMP) composite response results and a correlation of SMP response with the composite thermal conductivity.