Vacuum 3D printing of highly filled polymeric matrix composites

In this contribution, we have investigated how polymeric matrix composites for aerospace applications are affected, when fabricated at low pressure, by the additive manufacturing process. Commercial filaments have been selected based on their representativeness of materials derived from lunar resources. Standard samples of thermoplastic polymers reinforced by organic fibers and inorganic fillers have been printed inside a vacuum chamber, and their mechanical and thermal properties have been characterized and discussed based on the printing conditions. The reported study represents a preliminary investigation of the potential applicability of the 3D printing technology on highly filled polymers for extraterrestrial applications.