Influence of carbon nanotubes on CO2 laser cutting workability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes /poly methyl methacrylate nanocomposites

This article studies influence of carbon nanotubes on laser cutting workability of multi-walled carbonnanotubes (MWCNT)/poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composite that it is produced by injection molding method.Design of experiments (DOE) was done by full factorial method. Variable input factors considered MWCNT in fourlevels 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt.%, laser power in three levels 60, 90 and 120 watt and cutting velocity in three levels 0.3, 0.45,0.6 m/min. Output parameters were heat affected zone (HAZ), the upper kerf (Ku) and lower kerf (Kl) width and materialremove rate (MRR). Experiments analysis was performed using ANOVA. The morphology of produced nanocompositeswas studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The obtained results indicated the presence of MWCNT can bepromoted laser cutting workability of PMMA. The decreasing of HAZ and health improvement of cut edge by adding ofMWCNT are the significant results. High available carbon nanotube percent decreases the HAZ, approximately to 50%.Also Findings clearly show that the presence of MWCNT in polymer matrix can be decreased the upper and lower kerfwidth in laser cutting process. Moreover, enhancement of MRR is another important result that it obtained by compoundof MWCNT.