Study Of the compression behaviours of 3D-printed PEEK/CFR-PEEK sandwich composite structures

ABSTRACT

Single-component materials and homogeneous structures cannot adequately meet the various demands of ideal bone implants. Therefore, the use of three dimensional (3D) printing to form multi-materials and composites has received considerable attention owing to its potential to achieve multiple functions and properties in different areas. In this study, composite structures of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and carbon-fibre-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) materials were designed and printed. Compression experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of the building orientation on the compression strength and failure mode. Micro-X-ray detection was conducted to observe the specimen's internal microstructures. Full-field strain monitoring was performed to measure the strain fields of the specimens. The results showed that the building orientation had a significant influence on the interface bonding quality and failure modes of the specimens. The Flat specimen exhibited the lowest compressive strength of 69.1 MPa because of the poor fusion of the bottom interface. The On-edge specimen showed a higher strength of 71.5 MPa, and interlayer tearing was the main failure mode. The Up-right specimen exhibited the largest compressive strength of 80.4 MPa. After applying the interlayer inset and in-layer inset methods, the compressive strengths of the Up-right specimen improved by 16.4% and 37.4% respectively.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Fused filament fabrication
• composite structure
• PEEK
• compression behaviour

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the financial support of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52065063) and Postgraduate scientific research innovation project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China [No. XJ2021G047].

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant [number 52065063], and Postgraduate scientific research innovation project of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China under Grant [number XJ2021G047].

Notes on contributors

Houfeng Jiang

Houfeng Jiang is currently a Ph.D. candidate of Xinjiang University.

Patiguli Aihemaiti

Patiguli Aihemaiti is currently a Ph.D. candidate of Xinjiang University.

Wurikaixi Aiyiti

Wurikaixi Aiyiti is currently a Ph.D. supervisor and Professor at the Xinjiang University in China. His research is mainly focusing on additive manufacturing.

Ayiguli Kasimu

Ayiguli Kasimu is currently a laboratory technician of Xinjiang University.