Three‐Dimensional Printing of Multifunctional Nanocomposites: Manufacturing Techniques and Applications

Abstract

The integration of nanotechnology into three-dimensional printing (3DP) offers huge potential and opportunities for the manufacturing of 3D engineered materials exhibiting optimized properties and multifunctionality. The literature relating to different 3DP techniques used to fabricate 3D structures at the macro- and microscale made of nanocomposite materials is reviewed here. The current state-of-the-art fabrication methods, their main characteristics (e.g., resolutions, advantages, limitations), the process parameters, and materials requirements are discussed. A comprehensive review is carried out on the use of metal- and carbon-based nanomaterials incorporated into polymers or hydrogels for the manufacturing of 3D structures, mostly at the microscale, using different 3D-printing techniques. Several methods, including but not limited to micro-stereolithography, extrusion-based direct-write technologies, inkjet-printing techniques, and popular powder-bed technology, are discussed. Various examples of 3D nanocomposite macro- and microstructures manufactured using different 3D-printing technologies for a wide range of domains such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), lab-on-a-chip, microfluidics, engineered materials and composites, microelectronics, tissue engineering, and biosystems are reviewed. Parallel advances on materials and techniques are still required in order to employ the full potential of 3D printing of multifunctional nanocomposites.

Polymer/Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) Nanocomposites Processing Using Additive Manufacturing (Three-Dimensional Printing) Technique: An Overview

“…3DP utilizes different techniques for the manufacturing of prototypes. Such techniques include Inkjet printing, Fused deposition modeling (FDM), Powder-bed technology, Micro-stereolithography (MSL), Dynamic optical projection stereolithography (DOPsL), Direct-write assembly (DW), selective laser sintering (SLS), Solvent-cast 3DP (SC-3DP), Conformal 3DP (C-3DP), Two-photon polymerization (TPP), and UV-3DP, among others [10][11][12][13].…”

Additive (nano)manufacturing perspectives: the use of nanofillers and tailored materials

“…Direct-write fabrication of 3D metallic nanoarchitectures with spatial nanometer resolution via electron-stimulated reactions, which is applicable on virtually any material and surface morphology, paves the way for a new generation of 3D nano-plasmonic architectures that can be printed on-demand. Nonetheless, the compatibility of the materials developed and AM techniques is of major importance [24]. Materials with a high level of flowability are required in most selective deposition AM processes, while nanofillers such as nano-biomaterials, carbon based nanomaterials, nanoclays and metallic nanoparticles, along with the respective host matrices (e.g.…”

Printing Polymer Nanocomposites and Composites in Three Dimensions

“…Various thermoplastics such as polylactide (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or polyamide (PA) have been used as printing materials in the FDM technique. [35] High temperature resistance thermoplastics such as polyetherimide [36] and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) [37] are also being adapted for the FDM printing process. Filaments of various thermoplastics reinforced with nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes, [38] graphene, [39] and nanoclay [40] have been commercialized.…”

“…The maximum resolution of the FDM-printed parts is around 40 mm. [35] This relatively low resolution is due to the high viscosity of molten thermoplastics that limits the use of small-diameter nozzles for printing. The addition of nanofillers may further increase the viscosity and thus adversely affect the printability (i.e., flowability) of the nanocomposite filament.…”

“…Similar to other printing techniques that uses photopolymers, the addition of nanomaterials may affect viscosity and curing rate of the resins, and consequently the quality of the printed part. [35] Ultraviolet-assisted 3D printing (UV-3D printing) and solventcast 3D printing (SC-3D printing) are among the new-emerging techniques, based on direct writing continuous filaments, with the capability to build complex 3D supported, and freeform features. These techniques employ a computer-controlled robot that moves a dispensing apparatus in x, y, and z axes.…”