Thermally stable biopolymer composites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) modified with linear aliphatic polyurethanes – preparation and properties

Purpose: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) is a biopolymer, but storing products from P3HB causes the deterioration of their properties leading to their brittleness. P3HB has also low thermal stability. Its melting point almost equals its degradation temperature. To obtain biodegradable and biocompatible materials characterized by higher thermal stability and better strength parameters than the unfilled P3HB, composites with the addition of polyurethanes were produced. Methods: The morphology, thermal, and mechanical property parameters of the biocomposites were examined using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, standard differential scanning calorimetry, and typical strength machines. Results: Aliphatic polyurethanes, obtained by the reaction of 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and polyethylene glycols, were used as modifiers. To check the influence of the glycol molar mass on the properties of the biocomposites, glycols with a molecular weight of 400 and 1000 g/mol were used. New biocomposites based on P3HB were produced with 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt. % content of polyurethane by direct mixing using a twin-screw extruder. The following property parameters of the prepared biocomposites were tested: degradation temperature, glass transition temperature, tensile strength, impact strength, and Brinell hardness. Conclusions: Improvement of the processing property parameters of P3HB-biocomposites with the addition of aliphatic polyurethanes was achieved by increasing the degradation temperature in relation to the degradation temperature of the unfilled P3HB by over 30 °C. The performance property parameters have also been improved by reducing the brittleness compared to the P3HB, as evidenced by the increase in impact strength and the decrease in hardness with an increase in the amount of polyurethane obtained by the reaction of 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate and polyethylene glycol with a molecular weight of 400 g/mol (PU400) as modifier.

Build Size and Orientation Influence on Mechanical Properties of Powder Bed Fusion Deposited Titanium Parts

This paper explores the influence of sample thickness and build orientation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of electron beam melting (EBM) additive manufactured Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy and compared to previously published work on SLM-processed material. In particular, the various mechanical properties (tensile yield strength, ultimate tensile strength) were investigated with attempts to correlate with various microstructural features, including lamellae thickness, porosity and the size of prior-beta grains. However, it is shown that the surface exerts a dominant effect on mechanical properties with as-deposited surfaces. These observations provide the possibility for the further improvement of processing/property relations with as-deposited surfaces.

Formulation of a Model Resin System for Benchmarking Processing-Property Relationships in High-Performance Photo 3D Printing Applications

A well-defined resin system is needed to serve as a benchmark for 3D printing of high-performance composites. This work describes the design and characterization of such a system that takes into account processability and performance considerations. The Grunberg–Nissan model for resin viscosity and the Fox equation for polymer Tg were used to determine proper monomer ratios. The target viscosity of the resin was below 500 cP, and the target final Tg of the cured polymer was 150 °C based on tan-δ peak from dynamic mechanical analysis. A tri-component model resin system, termed DA-2 resin, was determined and fully characterized. The printed polymer exhibited good thermal properties and high mechanical strength after post-cure, but has a comparatively low fracture toughness. The model resin will be used in additive manufacturing of fiber reinforced composite materials as well as for understanding the fundamental processing–property relationships in light-based 3D printing.