Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing of Novel Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Graphene Nanocomposite with Enhanced Mechanical and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Properties

Abstract

Nowadays, there is a considerable demand for printable and functionalized thermoplastic polymer-based materials that are suitable for fused deposition modeling (FDM) three-dimensional (3D) printing. Hence, in this study, poly­(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/graphene nanoplate (GNP) multifunctional nanocomposites were thermally prepared for printing parts with enhanced electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capability via FDM. The related microstructure, processing parameters, and properties of the prepared PVA/GNP nanocomposite, as well as the printed parts, were accordingly investigated. The results indicated that ultrasonication realized the homogeneous dispersion of GNP fillers in the PVA matrix. The added glycerol and GNP effectively destroyed the intrinsic hydrogen bonds of PVA through molecular complexation interaction, thus broadening the processing window of PVA and its nanocomposite. Additionally, the incorporation of GNP also facilitated the enhancement in the hydrophobicity of the nanocomposite. The mechanical properties, including Young’s modulus, elongation at break, and ultimate tensile stress of the printed PVA/GNP parts, were optimized when the filling pattern was 0 × 0. Moreover, the EMI shielding efficiency (SE) of the printed PVA/GNP parts with a thickness of 2.43 mm reached 26–32 dB in the frequency range of 8–12.4 GHz, which can completely satisfy the requirements for practical applications. The corresponding EMI SE mechanism of the printed parts was also discussed.

Current advances and future perspectives of additive manufacturing for functional polymeric materials and devices

“…In addition, shortcomings, such as the high cost of filament-type consumables (two to three times the price of the pellet's), easy clogging of nozzles, difficulty in the printing of elastic materials, and polymer-based micro-/nanocomposite materials, have seriously hindered the development and application of FDM. In order to break through the limitations on the types of polymer and enhance the functionality, Wang et al [26][27][28][29][30] have prepared novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based EMI shielding composite and polyethylene (PE)-based thermal conductive composite filaments for the first time through advanced technologies such as molecular compounding, solid-state shear milling (S3M), and melt blending. In addition, new technologies, such as heat treatment, intermolecular plasticization, and postcrosslinking, have been established to enhance the interlayer strength of FDM parts.…”

“…Their works have expanded the selection of polymers and inaugurated a promising field with tactical solutions that resolve burning issues impeding industrial applications of FDM 3D printing technology for producing functional devices. In response to the bottleneck of traditional FDM printers, Zhang et al 31,32 developed a new type of conical F I G U R E 1 (A) Fused deposition modeling, (A1) morphology of novel PVA and PE-based filaments, [26][27][28][29][30] (A2) self-developed conical screw-based extrusion deposition system and conical screw-based extrusion unit and some fabricated parts printed by the self-developed system with TPU. Reproduced with permission: Copyright 2016, John Wiley & Sons.…”

“…Reproduced with permission: Copyright 2016, John Wiley & Sons. 25 [26][27][28][29][30] Copyright 2019, American Chemical Society. 32 Copyright 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited.…”

“…Reproduced with permission: Copyright 2020, Elsevier. 80 (C) A typical filament of composite with core-shell structure and EMI shielding effectiveness at various external tensile strains. Reproduced with permission: Copyright 2020, Elsevier.…”

“…(A) Fused deposition modeling, (A1) morphology of novel PVA and PE‐based filaments, 26–30 (A2) self‐developed conical screw‐based extrusion deposition system and conical screw‐based extrusion unit and some fabricated parts printed by the self‐developed system with TPU. Reproduced with permission: Copyright 2016, John Wiley & Sons 25 .…”