Best of Both Worlds: Synergistically Derived Material Properties via Additive Manufacturing of Nanocomposites

Abstract

With an exponential rise in the popularity and availability of additive manufacturing (AM), a large focus has been directed toward research in this topic's movement, while trying to distinguish themselves from similar works by simply adding nanomaterials to their process. Though nanomaterials can add impressive properties to nanocomposites (NCs), there are expansive amounts of opportunities that are left unexplored by simply combining AM with NCs without discovering synergistic effects and novel emerging material properties that are not possible by each of these alone. Cooperative, evolving properties of NCs in AM can be investigated at the processing, morphological, and architectural levels. Each of these categories are studied as a function of the amplifying relationship between nanomaterials and AM, with each showing the systematically selected material and method to advance the material performance, explore emergent properties, as well as improve the AM process itself. Innovative, advanced materials are key to faster development cycles in disruptive technologies for bioengineering, defense, and transportation sectors. This is only possible by focusing on synergism and amplification within additive manufacturing of nanocomposites.

Bulk-Processed Plasmonic Plastic Nanocomposite Materials for Optical Hydrogen Detection

“…Here, so-called nanocomposites comprised of nanoparticles dispersed in a host matrix are particularly attractive since the material properties can be engineered at the nanoscale. 26 Projecting the prospects of additive manufacturing onto nanoplasmonics reveals highly interesting opportunities in terms of scalable plasmonic material synthesis and processing routes for cost-effective device integration that have the potential to induce a paradigm shift in the field, as predicted by Haring et al 27 Simultaneously, 3D printing had been identified as a new concept for the manufacturing of sensors in general. 28 Inspired by these developments, we have explored the potential of replacing surface-based plasmonic nanoparticle arrangements used widely for sensor applications with bulk-processed "plasmonic plastics".…”

“…However, recently, more complex systems have come into focus due to their potential to enable new applications. Here, so-called nanocomposites comprised of nanoparticles dispersed in a host matrix are particularly attractive since the material properties can be engineered at the nanoscale …”

Functional Nanomaterials from Waste and Low‐Value Natural Products: A Technological Approach Level

“…Among presently available techniques, plasma-based methods ensure very high flexibility and adaptivity of the biowaste conversion and valorization due to the high specific energy and controllability intrinsic to the plasma environments. [123][124][125] The demand for more sustainable solutions has driven the field of nanofabrication, and plasma nanofabrication in particular, to search to replace traditional input materials, i.e., high purity gases and solid targets, with minimally processed raw and waste biomass that has variable chemical composition and physical form, while still producing high quality graphene and other types of nanoscale materials. [126][127][128] The goal was to use these mixed-origin materials directly, without additional processing steps, so as not to increase the complexity of plasma synthesis.…”

Fundamentals of Crystalline Evolution and Properties of Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polyether Ether Ketone Nanocomposites in Fused Filament Fabrication

“…Fused filament fabrication (FFF), also commonly referred to as “3D printing”, is an AM method which works based on layer-by-layer stacking of extruded polymer filaments. The ease of use and possibility of creating complex topologies make the FFF process a very attractive option for a multitude of industries to use for applications that includebut are not limited tomedical implants, construction, and tooling for vehicular components. − Though the process offers many appealing features in forming thermoplastics, FFF does have several challenges that still need to be addressed; the most important of which are the low mechanical properties of printed parts. , This is due to the weak interlayer adhesion between the printed layers and the porosity of produced parts, each accelerating delamination and catastrophic failure of 3D printed parts. Often, commodity polymers such as poly­(lactic acid) (PLA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) are selected as filament feedstocks due to their low cost, despite their limited mechanical properties and low operating temperatures.…”