Lyophilization of Polyetherimide Filament for Improved Mechanical Properties in Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
High-performance polymers, such as polyetherimide (PEI), are increasingly used in material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEX-AM) due to their exceptional chemical resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, which makes them ideal for demanding applications [1][2][3]. This said the hygroscopic nature of PEI leads to significant moisture absorption over time. This moisture absorption can introduce defects during printing, compromising some mechanical properties in the printed parts, such as tensile strength and percent elongation. Standard drying methods for PEI typically involve time-intensive high-temperature cycles that remove absorbed moisture but, unfortunately, also accelerate thermal degradation, which can lead to embrittlement and reduced durability of the printed components[4]. This study investigates lyophilization, also known as freeze-drying, as a low-temperature alternative to conventional drying methods. Lyophilization, typically used in the life sciences but known for its ability to remove moisture under low-temperature and low-pressure conditions, was applied to PEI filament under controlled temperature and pressure variations to evaluate its impact on moisture reduction of filaments and mechanical integrity of parts built from said filaments. Tensile bars produced from lyophilized PEI were compared against those dried using traditional high-heat methods. Findings indicate that while lyophilization effectively reduces moisture content, it yields slightly lower ultimate tensile strength (UTS) values than samples dried by conventional methods, suggesting that process optimization is necessary. Lyophilization may offer a path forward for improving drying techniques for material extrusion polymers. Further refinement of lyophilization parameters may enhance moisture removal efficiency and mechanical performance, advancing PEI's application in MEX-AM.
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| Work Title | Lyophilization of Polyetherimide Filament for Improved Mechanical Properties in Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing |
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| License | In Copyright (Rights Reserved) |
| Work Type | Article |
| Publication Date | December 6, 2024 |
| Deposited | May 24, 2025 |
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