Controlling material attributes for different application requirements
Learn more about the material behavior of PEEK, the characteristics of crystallization and amorphous material attributes and how end users can benefit from it
(PresseBox) - Excursion into PEEK?s crystallization behavior
Some classes of polymeric materials exhibit semi-crystalline attributes at the molecular and microstructural levels. In such cases there is a co-existence of the crystalline phase and the amorphous phase in the material. PEEK (Polyetheretherketone); a high performance / high temperature thermoplastic polymer of immense industrial importance, shows such semi-crystalline attributes. The crystalline domain is characterized by ordered arrangements of molecules while all other domains are disordered. Semi-crystalline polymers like PEEK are resiliently solid at temperatures well above their glass transition temperature Tg, only softening or showing rubbery behavior after it has absorbed a certain amount of heat below the melting temperature Tm. At Tm the crystalline structure undergoes a break-down allowing for an actual flow of the material.
Consider for a moment the reverse process where the fully melted PEEK material is cooling to a solid state. At temperatures Tt where Tg
Given these changes occurring in PEEK, it follows then that a system which sufficiently allows for the control of temperature will also allow for the control of crystallinity in a material like PEEK.
The degree/extent of polymer crystallinity depends on some of the attributes of the polymer (PEEK) such as its molecular weight, form of the chain structure and of course its temperature treatment. Crystallinity of up to 30% has been determined in 3D printed PEEK at a 0.03 K/s cooling rate. Temperature increase of the polymer makes it possible for the randomly coiled (the amorphous phase) and entangled chains to unfold under stress and begin to disentangle, unfold, and straighten and some of them even slide over their nearest neighbor chains.
Advantages of controlling the attributes of PEEK for specific purposes
Beneficial characteristics of amorphous PEEK at room temperature:
?better absorption of mechanical impacts and energy absorbent
(Aerospace, Oil &Gas)
?increased elasticity
?higher dimensional stability
?higher impact resistance (Automotive)
?higher specific heat capacity
?better optical transparency
?increase in stress cracking
?poor fatigue resistance
Benefits of increasing the degree of crystallinity (within a polymer family):
?increased tensile strength and stiffness (Modulus of elasticity),
?increased resistance to solvents (the swelling drops),
?increased barrier effect against gases and vapors,
?decreased impact strength, elongation at break and optical transparency
?increased tendency to warp
?high resistance to stress cracking
These attributes ensures the realization of various functional parts for Automotive, Oil &Gas, Medical or Aerospace industry.
Influence the crystallization with Apium?s 3D Printers to enhance part performance
?The nature of phase transformation affects printing time, printed part quality and the overall business edge offered by the AM method. Therefore it needs a good understanding in temperature, pressure and concentration in order to control phase transformation. There is a need to understand how thermo-mechanical factors ?conspire? to dictate the behavior of materials during the 3D printing process.
For example, in Material Extrusion based 3D printing technologies where a solid state (filament or cylinder) polymer-based material is thermally brought to its melt state, extruded onto an ideally stress-free surface then allowed to solidify under ambient conditions, the temperature profile which defines the entire phase-change process needs to be ?choreographed? together with the extrusion rate. This way, crystallinity, optical properties and mechanical properties especially those bordering on strength and plastic behavior can be influenced for the 3D printed part. ?? Prof. Dr. Okolo, Material Scientist and CTO of Apium Additive Technologies GmbH
The Apium P Series machines consist of Adaptive Heating System and the Apium Control Software, making it possible to control phase transformation in a manner which allows for enhancement of the better performance of 3D printed parts for a variety of applications and under different operating environments.
With the full control of our patented Adaptive Heating System and our optimized Control Software, implemented in the Apium P220, you can achieve the best printed part performance for your individual application requirements.
We research, develop and produce Fused Filament Fabrication 3D printing filaments made from high performance polymers along with 3D printers to process them. After intensive research, we became the first company worldwide able to make PEEK (poly ether ether ketone) printable with the FFF 3D printing technology. As pioneers, we assure the best and most reliable print quality on the market. With our expertise and experience in practical applications, together with basic research, we have a unique competence center for small and medium enterprises from industries that use high performance polymers for the most demanding environments and applications.
With our strong core-competencies we strive to become the largest technology supplier of high performance filament materials and 3D printers for FFF 3D printing technology within the European market. Our goal is to set the industry standard in terms of quality and reliability at FFF 3D printing of high performance polymers. As a competence center we claim on the legitimacy to be present on the market and to take over a long-term leading role. Through our know-how and our expertise in the field of FFF 3D printing we assure our customers the highest quality and the best service.
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We research, develop and produce Fused Filament Fabrication 3D printing filaments made from high performance polymers along with 3D printers to process them. After intensive research, we became the first company worldwide able to make PEEK (poly ether ether ketone) printable with the FFF 3D printing technology. As pioneers, we assure the best and most reliable print quality on the market. With our expertise and experience in practical applications, together with basic research, we have a unique competence center for small and medium enterprises from industries that use high performance polymers for the most demanding environments and applications.With our strong core-competencies we strive to become the largest technology supplier of high performance filament materials and 3D printers for FFF 3D printing technology within the European market. Our goal is to set the industry standard in terms of quality and reliability at FFF 3D printing of high performance polymers. As a competence center we claim on the legitimacy to be present on the market and to take over a long-term leading role. Through our know-how and our expertise in the field of FFF 3D printing we assure our customers the highest quality and the best service.
Datum: 29.03.2018 - 09:38 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 1534357
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