Investigation of Mechanical and Thermal Behavior of Glass Fiber–Enhanced PEEK Parts Produced via Fused Filament Fabrication

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 65 78
    By

    Ananda M N,

  • Sudheer Reddy J,

  • Vikram Kedambadi Vasu,

  • Madhusudhan,

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

Abstract

This study investigates the thermal and mechanical properties of Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymer and Glass Fiber (GF) reinforced PEEK polymer fabricated using the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process. Specimens were printed in three building orientations—X, Y, and 45°—to evaluate the influence of layer deposition on polymer material performance. Tensile and flexural tests revealed that GF-PEEK polymer exhibited significantly higher Ultimate Tensile Strength (110 MPa in X-orientation), Young’s Modulus (4.5 GPa), and Flexural Strength (180 MPa) compared to PEEK polymer, attributed to the reinforcing effect of Glass Fibers. However, a reduction in Elongation at Break indicated increased brittleness. The X-orientation showed superior mechanical properties due to layer alignment with the loading direction, while the 45° orientation demonstrated lower values due to increased interlayer shear. Thermal analysis using TGA and DSC demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and degree of crystallinity for GF-PEEK polymer, with an initial decomposition temperature of 590 °C and a 38% crystallinity, owing to the nucleating effect of Glass Fibers. Comparative analysis with existing literature confirmed the positive impact of Glass Fiber reinforcement on both mechanical and thermal performance. This study establishes the potential of GF-PEEK polymer for high-performance applications requiring enhanced stiffness, strength, and thermal resistance. The novelty of this research lies in the comprehensive evaluation of build orientations and their impact on mechanical and thermal properties, providing new insights for optimizing FFF-printed polymer composite materials. The findings also highlight the significant role of build orientation in optimizing mechanical behavior, paving the way for future advancements in 3D-printed polymer composite materials.

Keywords: PEEK, glass fiber, fused filament fabrication, mechanical properties, thermal analysis.

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

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How to cite this article:
Ananda M N, Sudheer Reddy J, Vikram Kedambadi Vasu, Madhusudhan. Investigation of Mechanical and Thermal Behavior of Glass Fiber–Enhanced PEEK Parts Produced via Fused Filament Fabrication. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):65-78.
How to cite this URL:
Ananda M N, Sudheer Reddy J, Vikram Kedambadi Vasu, Madhusudhan. Investigation of Mechanical and Thermal Behavior of Glass Fiber–Enhanced PEEK Parts Produced via Fused Filament Fabrication. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(06):65-78. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=230495


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 27/03/2025
Accepted 22/07/2025
Published 01/09/2025
Publication Time 158 Days
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