Analysis of mechanical properties and structure of samples filled with continuous glass fiber produced in composite filament fabrication technology

The purpose of the study was to evaluate selected mechanical properties and structural characteristics of samples manufactured using composite filament fabrication (CFF) technology from Onyx material, whichwas filled with continuous glass fiber. Selected mechanical properties were correlated with the density of the resulting composite to determine the specific strength of the fabricated parts. The test specimens were manufactured on a Mark Two Enterprise machine (Markforged, USA) using composite filament fabrication (CFF) technology. The material used was polyamide 6.6 with a 20% short carbon fiber content with the trade name Onyx. Continuous glass fiber was used to reinforce the fabrication. The density of the manufactured samples was determined using a hydrostatic method. Methanol was used as the liquid. By determining the density of the samples, it was possible to estimate through appropriate calculations what specific strength and specific modulus the obtained composites would have. Determination of tensile and flexural strengths was carried out in accordance with ISO 527-1:2012 and ISO 178:2003. Determination of the impact tensile strength of the samples was carried out in accordance with ISO 8256, the beams were tested using the A method. Due to the high impact tensile strength, two 1 mm notches with an angle of 45°were made on the specimens. The image of the sample structure obtained by the CFF method was recorded using a CT scanner. A thermogravimetric test (TG) of the Onyx matrix material was carried out. The samples were tested approximately 72 hours after fabrication. Filling the samples with continuous glass fiber above 50% leads to a slight increase in impact resistance. The density of the composite increased by only 16% relative to the reference samples, resulting in a 389% increase in the maximum average flexural strength. Despite significant discontinuities in the structure of the produced composite, it was possible to record an increase in tensile strength and Young’s modulus by 606% and 370%, respectively.