Dry sliding wear behavior of energy density dependent PA 12/Cu composites produced by selective laser sintering

Abstract

The selective laser sintering process is widely used to fabricate polyamide matrix composites. Although various reinforcements are used to produce polyamide matrix composites, metallic-based reinforcements are used to improve the mechanical properties of the structure. Also, selective laser sintering process parameters significantly affect the microstructural and mechanical properties of the composite products. In this study, polyamide 12 (PA 12) matrix composites were produced with Cu particulates by selective laser sintering methods using various energy density values. Moreover, dry sliding wear of the energy density dependent PA 12/Cu composites was investigated. Worn samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and 2D profile analysis. The examinations revealed that the lower energy density values improve the microstructural properties and wear behavior of the PA 12/Cu composites. It was obtained that the lowest energy value provides the highest wear resistance for the PA 12/Cu composites.