Disentangled UHMWPE@silica powders for potential use in power bed fusion based additive manufacturing

Disentangled ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene dUHMWPE (Mw ∼ 2.106 Da) particles in a reactor blend with HDPE are catalytically prepared from ethylene, mediated by new catalyst N,N'-(2,6-pyridinediyl diethylidyne) bis[2,6-di-3-propenyl-benzenamine] iron dichloride and triethyl aluminum. These could be laser sintered, but not automatically processed an SLS machine. The same supported on microsilica gives access to composite [email protected] particle powder sizes below 200 µm. Testing bars heat pressing have Emod of 150 MPa, elongation at break 450 % ultimate strength 39 ± 11 MPa. A SEM image indicates silica induced crystallization into pseudo spherulites 500 µm size. fcc flowability value 3.4 ring shear tester, low density kg.m−3. Additivation nanosilica (1 wt%) carbon black (0.25 allowed process the printed parts showed severe caking, also complete welding powder, albeit voids account density.