Research on luminescent TPU composites based on selective lasering sintering

The remarkable optical properties of luminescent composites have significant applications in diverse fields, including anti-counterfeiting, optoelectronic devices , and aerospace, among others. However, conventional manufacturing processes often encounter difficulties in shaping complex structural components and achieving high molding accuracy. Selective laser sintering (SLS) technology emerges as a promising alternative, distinguished by its rapid molding speeds, a wide array of available raw materials, and high product precision. In this study, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) composite powder was prepared as the raw material for SLS through a mechanical blending method. The TPU/coumarin and TPU/SAOED composite luminescent materials were successfully synthesized using SLS technology, with a primary emphasis on investigating the photo-responsive properties of these two composites and their underlying mechanisms. The results indicated that the emission wavelengths for the TPU/coumarin and TPU/SAOED composites were 465 nm and 490 nm, respectively. Furthermore, the luminescence effect was observed to be more pronounced with an increased concentration of luminescent fillers. The average fluorescence lifetimes for the TPU/5coumarin and TPU/5SAOED composites were measured at 3.65 ns and 5.883 μs, respectively. Additionally, the study assessed various material properties, including processing characteristics, microstructure, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. This research provides a valuable and reliable methodology for the preparation of luminescent TPU composites.