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Effect of stearic acid on alumina scaffolds obtained by additive manufacturing using the fused filament fabrication method

Abstract

Porous ceramics can be used in the most diverse applications, such as in the petrochemical industry and in the health area. However, it is difficult to produce ceramics with complex shapes using conventional processes. In this work, different thermoplastics (LDPE, ABS, and PLA) were used for the extrusion of filaments with submicrometric alumina. These filaments were extruded with and without stearic acid and, subsequently, were used in additive manufacturing for printing porous structures (scaffolds) by fused filament fabrication. Scanning electron microscopy images of the samples with and without stearic acid were obtained before and after sintering. These images showed that the presence of stearic acid reduced the formation of defects since, in addition to acting as a dispersant, it also facilitated the subsequent removal of the organic vehicle from the scaffold, before final sintering.

Keywords:
fused filament fabrication; alumina; stearic acid; microstructure; bioceramic

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