Selective Laser Sintering of Polymer Nanocomposites

This paper describes the fabrication and characterization of polymer nanocomposite (PNC) materials for use in the selective laser sintering (SLS) process. PNC materials are of great interest generally because of their excellent physical properties, and offer excellent potential in rapid manufacturing of structural polymeric parts. Three different nano additive materials have been used: cerium oxide IV, yttrium stabilized zirconia, and layered Hectorite clay. These materials have been used to reinforce PA6 polymer using solution blending and spray drying to create powder with particle sizes in the range of 5-40 µm. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the PNC materials have been evaluated and the results compared to those of unfilled polymer.Mechanical Engineerin