Title: Additive Manufacturing of Self-Extinguishing Flame-Retardant Nylon 6/66: Processing and Characterization

Authors: Yanan Hou, Steven D. Kim, Hao Wu, Joseph H. Koo

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.21.0490

Abstract: Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a transformative method for rapid prototyping or small-scale industrial production of parts in complex shapes or geometries. Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is the most widely used 3D printing technology due to its simple operation and low-cost. FFF is usually printed with thermoplastic filaments. Nylon, known for its toughness and flexibility, is popular for load-bearing 3D printed parts. However, flammability and melt dripping are major issues for nylons and many industries, especially automotive and aviation, require flame-retardant materials. This paper introduces a formulation of a 3D printable flame-retardant nylon 6/66 material. The formulating process is illustrated in detail. The resulting material is extruded into 1.75mm diameter filaments through a twin-screw extruder and printed into rectangular bars using a commercially available FFF printer. The printed bars are tested to the UL94 procedures and passed V0 rating. Material samples are taken during the formulating processes. Microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) are used to characterize flammability and thermal properties of the samples.

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Conference: SAMPE NEXUS 2021

Publication Date: 2021/06/29

SKU: TP21-0000000490

Pages: 13

Price: FREE