Investigating The Influence of Sic Reinforcement on The Mechanical and Tribological Properties of PA12 Polymer Composites in SLS

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 541 554
    By

    Vikram Kedambadi Vasu,

  • Sudheer Reddy J,

  • Ananda M N,

  • Pavan A,

  • Chethan P,

  • D Prashanth Bande,

  • Nikhil S J,

  • Madhusudhan M,

  1. Assistant Professor, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Nitte (Deemed to be university), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  2. Professor, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Nitte (Deemed to be university), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Nitte (Deemed to be university), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  4. Research Scholar, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Nitte (Deemed to be university), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  5. Research Scholar, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Nitte (Deemed to be university), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  6. Research Scholar, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Nitte (Deemed to be university), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  7. Research Scholar, Centre for Additive Manufacturing, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Nitte (Deemed to be university), Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  8. Assistant Professor and Deputy Controller of Examinations, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Presidency School of Engineering, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract

The study investigates the mechanical and tribological performance of neat PA12 polymer and SiC-reinforced PA12 polymer composites made via Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). To evaluate just how reinforcement has influence upon overall performance, we incorporated into the PA12 polymer matrix a constant amount of 5 wt.% of Silicon Carbide (SiC). Mechanical testing focused on both tensile and fatigue behavior and testers conducted it with a Servo-Hydraulic Multipurpose High-Capacity Fatigue Test System based upon ASTM D638 and ASTM D3479 standards respectively. Due to it having achieved 58.2 MPa compared to 49.9 MPa for just the neat PA12 polymer, the SiC-reinforced PA12 polymer composite demonstrated an important 16.5% increase within tensile strength. Since it indicated the composite resisted cyclic loading and its service life extended, fatigue life was improved by approximately 40%. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysts confirmed SiC particles dispersed uniformly within the PA12 polymer matrix, porosity was minimal, also interfacial bonding was effective, all of which contribute to the observed mechanical improvements. Tribological behavior was evaluated by a Pin-on-Disc test with ASTM G99. A 35% wear rate decline was seen for the SiC-reinforced PA12 polymer composite measuring 2.1 × 10⁻⁵ mm³/Nm versus 3.2 × 10⁻⁵ mm³/Nm for PA12 polymer without reinforcement. Additionally, the coefficient for friction was indeed notably reduced. This reduction demonstrated an improved surface durability as well as wear resistance for the polymer composite. These findings do clearly indicate that the addition of SiC greatly improves the tensile strength, fatigue resistance, and tribological properties of PA12-based polymer composites. By virtue of this enhancement, these composites are highly suitable for demanding applications within aerospace, automotive, also biomedical industries. The results underscore the potential of SLS technology. Using it, high-performance polymer composite structures of complex geometries and superior functional properties can be fabricated

Keywords: Mechanical properties, pa12 polymer composites, selective laser sintering (SLS), sic reinforcement, tribological performance

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Vikram Kedambadi Vasu, Sudheer Reddy J, Ananda M N, Pavan A, Chethan P, D Prashanth Bande, Nikhil S J, Madhusudhan M. Investigating The Influence of Sic Reinforcement on The Mechanical and Tribological Properties of PA12 Polymer Composites in SLS. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):541-554.
How to cite this URL:
Vikram Kedambadi Vasu, Sudheer Reddy J, Ananda M N, Pavan A, Chethan P, D Prashanth Bande, Nikhil S J, Madhusudhan M. Investigating The Influence of Sic Reinforcement on The Mechanical and Tribological Properties of PA12 Polymer Composites in SLS. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):541-554. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=237678


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Special Issue 01
Received 04/04/2025
Accepted 25/07/2025
Published 26/02/2026
Publication Time 328 Days
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