Functional polyetheretherketone coatings fabricated by laser-based directed energy deposition

Wittmann A, Alidoust Chamandani S, Hentschel O, Sommereyns A, Kopp SP, Schmidt M (2024)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Book Volume: 496

Pages Range: 131629

Article Number: 131629

DOI: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2024.131629

Abstract

In this paper, directed energy deposition of polymers (DED-LB/P) with a thulium laser is investigated for the first time to apply functional polyetheretherketone coatings on stainless steel 316L sheets. Powder feeding experiments in this study show that the irregular particle shape and fine particles of the raw polyetheretherketone powder lead to low powder mass flows and a high tendency to agglomeration during DED-LB/P processing. Due to the altered surface topography, heat-treating the polymer powder results in stable powder feeding conditions with a reproducibly adjustable powder mass flow. A multi-pass deposition strategy with a gentle energy input maintains process stability and prevents thermal decomposition of the polyetheretherketone powder in DED-LB/P. The absence of pores in the cross-sectional examination indicates that coatings with a high density can be deposited. Furthermore, the fabricated coatings exhibit a semi-crystalline structure and an excellent bond strength to the metallic substrate. In order to reduce the roughness of the coatings, an additional laser remelting step represents an appropriate process strategy. The characterization of the coated stainless steel 316L substrates shows that the DED-LB/P process has no decisive effect on the hardness, while the dimensional accuracy is slightly affected. Based on the polyetheretherketone coatings produced in this study, DED-LB/P with a thulium laser may have great potential for future medical applications because there is no need to add flow and absorbing additives to the polymer powder.

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How to cite

APA:

Wittmann, A., Alidoust Chamandani, S., Hentschel, O., Sommereyns, A., Kopp, S.-P., & Schmidt, M. (2025). Functional polyetheretherketone coatings fabricated by laser-based directed energy deposition. Surface & Coatings Technology, 496, 131629. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2024.131629

MLA:

Wittmann, Alexander, et al. "Functional polyetheretherketone coatings fabricated by laser-based directed energy deposition." Surface & Coatings Technology 496 (2025): 131629.

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