Dual mechanisms of fiber dispersion of CF/Sn50Pb50 composites fabricated by double-layer printing head 3D printing process

Abstract

Fiber dispersion was one of the crucial factors, which influenced the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced metal matrix composites (FR-MMCs). The incomprehension of fiber dispersion mechanisms and the lack of control methods limited the developments and further applications of the 3D printed FR-MMCs. In this work, the tensile properties and microstructures of continuous carbon fiber reinforced SnPb matrix composites, which were fabricated by the double-layer printing head 3D printing process (DPP), were measured and observed. The dual mechanisms of capillarity pressure driving and nonuniform interface reaction driving in fiber dispersion were proposed. Besides, the dynamic of fiber dispersion was discussed. It was found that improving wicking performance could increase the dispersion of fibers. This research filled in the blank of fiber dispersion mechanisms of 3D printed FR-MMCs, and provided the methodological supports for further improving the performances of composites.

Keywords

• 3D printing
• Fiber dispersion
• Fiber reinforced metal matrix composite
• Nonuniform interfaces