Fabrication of Nanosilica-Filled Latex Compounds by 3D Printing Technique

This research was aimed at fabricating the nanosilica-filled rubber latex compounds by a 3D printing technique with air-compressed in the latex feed system. The optimum nanosilica ratio in rubber latex compounds was studied for forming the circle, twisted hexagonal, and star shapes with varying the nanosilica content of 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0 g in 100 g of latex compounds. It was found that the viscosity increased with increasing nanosilica in range of 1200-2200 Pa·s. During 3D printing fabrication, the latex compounds were dispensed from nozzle of 2.0 mm in diameter with an air-compressed pressure of 0.20-0.40 MPa. It was observed that the adding nanosilica at 6.0 g in 100 g of latex compounds using 0.40 MPa of air-compressed pressure was able to fabricate all the shapes as designed in shape and dimension, which were good adhesion between layers, a smooth rubber surface, and consistent continuity of the extruded rubber. In addition, the star shape workpiece could be fabricated as designed in both shape and size when using the latex compounds mixed with 5.5 g of nanosilica with air-compressed pressure at 0.40 MPa in forming.