DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v27i3.455

Keywords: PETG; fused filament; carbon nanotubes; mechanical properties; nanocomposites; additive manufacturing

Abstract

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) has emerged as a pivotal additive manufacturing technique for producing polymer nanocomposites with tailored mechanical properties. This study addresses the critical challenge of enhancing the performance of 3D-printed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) through carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement. We systematically investigate the effects of varying CNT concentrations (0-3 wt.%) on the mechanical properties of PETG nanocomposites fabricated via FFF. The results demonstrate substantial improvements in mechanical performance, with CNT-reinforced specimens exhibiting up to 21% enhancement in ultimate tensile strength and 28% increase in impact resistance compared to pure PETG. Fractographic analysis through scanning electron microscopy reveals distinct failure mechanisms, including effective stress transfer and crack deflection in CNT-loaded samples. These findings provide valuable insights into the structure-property relationships of CNT-reinforced PETG composites and their potential for high-performance applications in additive manufacturing.