Anisotropic performance of FDM-printed ABS/MWCNT nanocomposites: Investigating the influence of production direction on mechanical properties and electrical conductivity
Journal of Cellular Plastics, cilt.0, sa.0, ss.1-30, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 0 Sayı: 0
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1177/0021955x261508693
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Cellular Plastics
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Scopus, Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest), Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), ABI/INFORM, Compendex, INSPEC
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1-30
- İnönü Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
With the development of additive manufacturing technologies, lattice structures capable of simultaneously providing lightweight characteristics, high specific strength, and functional properties have gained increasing importance in engineering applications. In particular, the use of electrically conductive composite filaments offers new opportunities in areas such as health monitoring, piezoresistive sensing, and smart engineering systems. In such applications, structures are required to possess not only adequate electrical performance but also reliable mechanical strength. However, the anisotropic behavior resulting from the layered structure of parts produced by the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) process causes both mechanical and electrical properties to vary depending on the build orientation. In this study, the mechanical and electrical performances of TPMS (Triply Periodic Minimal Surface)-based Gyroid, Diamond, and Schwarz lattice structures fabricated by the FDM process using ABS matrix filaments reinforced with MWCNTs (Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes) were investigated. Compression tests, surface hardness measurements, and electrical resistance measurements were conducted on specimens manufactured in different build orientations (XY and Z). The analysis and characterization results demonstrated that TPMS topology, MWCNT content, and build orientation have significant effects on the performance of the structures. The highest electrical conductivity value, 0.0257 S/m, was obtained for the Gyroid specimens containing 1% MWCNT and manufactured in the Z orientation. As the MWCNT content increased to 3% and 5%, a significant decrease in conductivity values was observed, which was associated with nanotube agglomeration and the disruption of conductive network continuity at higher filler contents. Furthermore, it was determined that build orientation induced considerable anisotropy in electrical behavior, resulting in conductivity differences approaching two hundredfold between the Z and XY orientations in some specimens. When the mechanical and electrical results were evaluated together, the Gyroid geometry exhibited a more balanced and stable performance, and it was revealed that TPMS topology and build orientation are critical parameters in the design of multifunctional composite structures.