A novel, precipitated polybutylene terephthalate feedstock material for powder bed fusion of polymers (PBF): Material development and initial PBF processability

The development of a novel polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) feedstock material for powder bed fusion polymers with laser beam (PBF-LB/P) by means liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and precipitation is outlined. Appropriate solvents have been identified screening approach based on solubility parameters. Feasible system compositions solution cloud point temperatures were determined. For the most promising solvent, cyclopentanone, parameter study influence stirring conditions during was performed. obtained products characterized respect to their particle size distribution, shape, morphology, thermal properties melt viscosity. Under optimized process conditions, PBT particles high degree crystallinity narrow distribution mean diameter 36 μm obtained; flowability improved dry coating. initial PBF-LB/P processability assessed building single layers in using Formiga P110 machine. Dense at power PL = 11.5 W, scanning speed vS 4000 mm/s, hatch distance hS 0.24 mm layer thickness dS 0.1 mm. Best authors' knowledge, this first open literature reporting crystallization.