Abstract In this contribution, we have investigated how polymeric matrix composites for aerospace applications are affected, when fabricated at low pressure, by the additive manufacturing process. Commercial filaments have been selected based on their representativeness of materials derived from lunar resources. Standard samples of thermoplastic polymers reinforced by organic fibers and inorganic fillers have been printed inside a vacuum chamber, and their mechanical and thermal properties have been characterized and discussed based on the printing conditions. The reported study represents a preliminary investigation of the potential applicability of the 3D printing technology on highly filled polymers for extraterrestrial applications.

    Highlights Composite materials are fabricated by FDM inside a vacuum chamber. Filler materials are representative of resources derived from the lunar environment. Thermal and mechanical properties are preserved upon low-pressure printing. A modest dimensional deviation is reported after analysis of standard samples.


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    Title :

    Vacuum 3D printing of highly filled polymeric matrix composites



    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 204 ; 25-33


    Publication date :

    2022-12-23


    Size :

    9 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English







    Thermal-vacuum response of polymer matrix composites in space

    Tennyson, R. C. / Matthews, R. | AIAA | 1995


    Thermal-Vacuum Response of Polymer Matrix Composites in Space

    Tennyson, R. C. / Matthews, R. / National Aeronautics and Space Administration | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1994