Characterisation of the mechanical properties of polyamide 12 powder when using titanium dioxide as antimicrobial additive

Abstract Antimicrobial properties of plastic components are an important part of polymer engineering. One commonly used additive with an antibacterial effect is titanium dioxide. The aim of this study is to investigate the influences on the mechanical properties resulting from the addition of titanium dioxide as an antimicrobial additive and the processing of the compounds with selective laser sintering. Compounds with 5 %, 10 % and 15 % titanium dioxide and polyamide 12 as matrix material are fabricated. Tensile test specimen are produced from the compounds, examined and the results compared with virgin polyamide 12. The investigations show a general loss in the ultimate tensile strength compared to the virgin polyamide 12. Comparing the different titanium dioxide contents with each other, an increasing tensile strength with increasing titanium dioxide content of the compound can be examined. A decreasing elongation at break and thus a decreasing ductility can also be observed. Furthermore, the results of the tensile test show a stiffening effect, i. e. an increase in the elastic modulus due to the addition of titanium dioxide.