1508 Tension Test of CNT/Photopolymer Micro Elements Manufacturing Stereolithography

Abstract

Mechanical properties of micromaterials are different from those of bulk. Stereolithography is one of promising fabrication techniques for. But mechanical properties of microelements fabricated by stereolithography are not well understood. In the present study, mechanical properties of micro specimens of UV-curable photopolymer and its MWCNT (Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes)-reinforced composites fabricated by micro-stereolithography were evaluated by using specially designed tension testing systems. Young's modulus, 0.5% proof stress, tensile strength and elongation determined from tension tests of fabricated micro tension-test specimens. For low MWCNT content, Young's modulus of composites increased with increasing MWCNT content. However, high MWCNT addition reduced Young's modulus of the composites. The tensile strength and the elongation of composites were reduced as the MWCNT content increased.