The Effect of a Silane Compatibilizer on 3D-Printed Nylon-Cork Composites

Abstract:

Amongst various strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of non-degradable polymers, the integration of Cork with fossil fuel-derived Nylon is considered an attractive option to develop a lightweight, strong composite. To optimize the integration of these materials for processing as 3D printed structures requires the exploration of functional compatibilizers to enhance the homogeneity and 3D printability of the Nylon-Cork composite. In this paper, Nylon-12 (PA-12) was mixed with cork in varying melted compositions using one coupling agent/stabilizer/compatibilizer, namely: 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTS), to improve the interfacial bond between the components and amenability for 3D printed composite structures. This paper examines the characteristics of this composite using scanning electron microscope (SEM), rheology experiments and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These findings are used to understand and explain the ensuing 3D printed characteristics using the APTS compatibilizer and Nylon-Cork ratios. This work is expected to be critical for developing low-density engineering products using PA-12-Cork composites and for sustainable processing, using 3D printing technologies.

• Periodical: Materials Science Forum (Volume 1149)
• Pages: 65-70
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-ABc3Eu
• Online since: May 2025
• Authors: Saad Saleh Alghamdi, Rajkamal Balu, Namita Choudhury, Naba Kumar Dutta, Sabu John*
• Keywords: 3D Printing, Compatibilizer, Interface, Nylon-Cork Composite, Optimization

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