Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Graphene-Reinforced PETG Filaments Fabricated by FDM:  Influence of Reinforcement and Process Parameters

Ram Kishore Shakya; Dharamvir Mangal; Nagendra Kumar Maurya

doi:10.57159/jcmm.5.2.25388

Authors

Ram Kishore Shakya Mechanical Engineering Department, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India 201310
Dharamvir Mangal Mechanical Engineering Department, Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, India 201310
Nagendra Kumar Maurya Department of Mechanical Engineering, G.L. Bajaj Institute of Technology and Management, Greater Noida, India 201308 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0869-7239

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.57159/jcmm.5.2.25388

Keywords:

FDM Process, Flexural Strength, Tensile Strength, Graphene Reinforcement

Abstract

In this study, graphene-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) composites are fabricated using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique. The influence of process parameters, namely layer thickness, print speed, and nozzle temperature, on tensile and flexural strength is investigated. A Taguchi design of experiments is employed to optimize the process parameters, and regression models are developed to predict tensile strength and flexural strength. The optimum combination for tensile strength is identified as a layer thickness of 0.1 mm, print speed of 20 mm/s, and nozzle temperature of 230 °C, while the optimum combination for flexural strength is found at a layer thickness of 0.1 mm, print speed of 20 mm/s, and nozzle temperature of 235 °C. Microstructural characterization performed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed uniform dispersion of graphene within the PETG matrix and strong interlayer bonding at optimized conditions. Fractography analysis conducted using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed ductile fracture behavior with limited void formation. The developed regression models exhibited strong predictive accuracy, demonstrating their suitability for process optimization and the prediction of mechanical properties.

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