Material and process optimization for 3D printing of Polypropylene-based compounds

Polypropylene (PP)-based compounds suitable for 3D printing (FDM) have been formulated through material and process optimization. The high volumetric shrinkage and the rheological behaviour are main issues affecting the successful application of PP as 3D printing filament. Firstly, different PP grades were characterized through thermal and rheological analyses, aiming at optimizing the material formulation in order to achieve a printable filament. Then, three PP-based composites containing different inorganic fillers or nanofillers suitable for FDM have been produced. Several process parameters have been evaluated in order to obtain a proper filament and a 3D printed sample with adequate quality. Finally, morphological analysis and tensile tests were carried out to verify the final performance of the printed samples.