A Study of Mechanical, Vibration, Post Processing, and Microstructure Characteristics of Carbon-Nanotube Infused Polymers in Material Extrusion

Within the field of material extrusion (MEX), fibre or particle reinforcement is a popular method to provide improved mechanical properties to final parts, with carbon or glass fibres being the most common reinforcement method. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a recent innovation in this field, with multiple companies now offering CNT-infused products for improved electrostatic discharge (ESD) safety. Due to the marketable feature of these materials being the improved ESD resistance, combined with the relatively recent introduction of this material class, relatively little is known about the mechanical behaviour of these materials. This article provides a summary of research conducted by Mr. Hudson and Dr. Naikwadi on the characteristics and potential benefits of these materials, examining their behaviour under tensile and fatigue loading, characteristics when exposed to induced vibrations, and the potential benefits of several common post-processing methods on finished parts. This study also includes microstructure analysis of the fracture surface and behaviour of CNT-infused polymers.