Enhancing Mechanical Properties of PETG-CNT Nanocomposites Fabricated via Fused Filament Fabrication

Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) has emerged as a pivotal additive manufacturing technique for producing polymer nanocomposites with tailored mechanical properties.This study addresses the critical challenge of enhancing the performance of 3D-printed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) through carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforcement.We systematically investigate the effects of varying CNT concentrations (0-3 wt.%) on the mechanical properties of PETG nanocomposites fabricated via FFF.The results demonstrate substantial improvements in mechanical performance, with CNT-reinforced specimens exhibiting up to 21% enhancement in ultimate tensile strength and 28% increase in impact resistance compared to pure PETG.Fractographic analysis through scanning electron microscopy reveals distinct failure mechanisms, including effective stress transfer and crack deflection in CNT-loaded samples.These findings provide valuable insights into the structure-property relationships of CNT-reinforced PETG composites and their potential for high-performance applications in additive manufacturing.