Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is an extrusion-based additive manufacturing technique where polymer filaments are printed layer by layer. The print quality and presence of voids in the printed materials are strongly dependent on their printing parameters and post-processing. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a polymorphic semi-crystalline and semi-fluorinated polymeric material used in a wide variety of beneficial applications, like medical, flexible electronic devices, due to its chemical inertness, thermal stability, low surface energy, nonstick, and piezoelectric properties. Herein, we demonstrate the 3D printability of pristine and additive-containing PVDF filaments via FDM and optimize their printing parameters and post-processing. The results of optimized 3D printed PVDF samples will be compared with molded samples from previous studies. Spectroscopy and microscopy are used to characterize the structure and morphology of the printed PVDF materials, respectively. Thermal, mechanical, dielectric, dynamic mechanical, and x-ray diffraction tests are performed to investigate the thermomechanical and surface properties of the 3D printed PVDF samples. For more detailed analysis and prediction of the material’s temperature dependence, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations will be employed. The results of the present study provide an in-depth analysis of the optimization and 3D printing of a PVDF polymer for applications in research and manufacturing industries. Future work involves the testing of the piezoelectric and other electrical properties, to look further into the capabilities and structure phase changes of the 3D printed and molded PVDF samples for potential applications in electronics, like flexible electronics.

Additively manufactured polyvinylidene fluoride materials with optimized thermomechanical performance

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