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The aim of the work was to investigate the influence of silver as a modifying constituent on structure formation in Ni-P based glass forming matrix. Nickel-phosphorus-based Ni80P20, Ni78Ag2P20 and Ni76Ag4P20 alloys were prepared from 99.95 wt % Ni, 99.95 wt % Ag, and Ni-P master alloy. The alloys were melt-spun in helium. The microstructure of the melt-spun ribbons was investigated by XRD, a light microscope and a transmission electron microscope. Then the tensile tests were performed. The alloys with silver show lower tensile strength with respect to the fully amorphous Ni80P20 ribbon. The ductility of the amorphous matrix melt-spun Ni78Ag2P20 and Ni76Ag4P20 alloys was improved by addition of silver forming fcc-Ag precipitates in comparison with Ni80P20amorphous alloy. SEM observations of the fracture surfaces show different character of the fractured samples. The pattern and the number of the crack lines changes, depending on the silver content. For the fully amorphous Ni80P20 alloy simple brittle cracks are observed, however the alloys with silver content show more developed surfaces near the fractured regions and form crack lines arranged 60° with loading direction.

3D printing by selective laser sintering (SLS) of high-dose drug delivery systems using pure brittle crystalline active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) is possible but impractical. Currently used pharmaceutical grade excipients, including polymers, are primarily designed for powder compression, ensuring good mechanical properties. Using these excipients for SLS usually leads to poor mechanical properties of printed tablets (printlets). Composite printlets consisting of sintered carbon-stained polyamide (PA12) and metronidazole (Met) were manufactured by SLS to overcome the issue. The printlets were characterized using DSC and IR spectroscopy together with an assessment of mechanical properties. Functional properties of the printlets, i.e., drug release in USP3 and USP4 apparatus together with flotation assessment, were evaluated. The printlets contained 80 to 90% of Met (therapeutic dose ca. 600 mg), had hardness above 40 N (comparable with compressed tablets) and were of good quality with internal porous structure, which assured flotation. The thermal stability of the composite material and the identity of its constituents were confirmed. Elastic PA12 mesh maintained the shape and structure of the printlets during drug dissolution and flotation. Laser speed and the addition of an osmotic agent in low content influenced drug release virtually not changing composition of the printlet; time to release 80% of Met varied from 0.5 to 5 h. Composite printlets consisting of elastic insoluble PA12 mesh filled with high content of crystalline Met were manufactured by 3D SLS printing. Dissolution modification by the addition of an osmotic agent was demonstrated. The study shows the need to define the requirements for excipients dedicated to 3D printing and to search for appropriate materials for this purpose.