Enhancing mechanical properties of 3D-printed PAHT CF15 composites using pumice-reinforced resin post-processing for various infill patterns

This study investigates the enhancement of the mechanical properties of PAHT CF15 (high-temperature polyamide reinforced with carbon fiber) composites by filling internal voids with pumice powder-reinforced resin. The objective is to improve the tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance of 3D-printed composites by adding pumice powder at varying concentrations (10, 20, and 30%). Optimal results were observed at 20% pumice reinforcement. The findings revealed that incorporating pumice powder into the resin notably improved the tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance of the 3D-printed parts, particularly when using a grid infill pattern. The optimal reinforcement level was identified as 20% pumice powder, which provided the best balance of enhanced rigidity and structural support, leading to significant improvements in mechanical performance without the detrimental effects of particle agglomeration observed at higher concentrations. The SEM analysis confirmed the uniform distribution of pumice nanoparticles at this reinforcement level, further contributing to the material’s superior properties. The study demonstrated that pumice-reinforced resin can significantly enhance the performance of 3D printed PAHT CF15 composites, making them more suitable for demanding engineering applications. Moreover, these findings suggest that careful selection of reinforcement levels and infill patterns can optimize the performance of 3D-printed composites. This research contributes to the development of advanced composite materials with improved mechanical properties, addressing the need for stronger, more durable materials in various industrial applications.