Comparative Analysis of Polymer Composites Produced by FFF and PJM 3D Printing and Electrospinning Technologies for Possible Filter Applications

Tomasz Kozior,Al Mamun,Lilia Sabantina,Marah Trabelsi

doi:10.3390/coatings12010048

Tomasz Kozior, Al Mamun + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12010048

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Abstract

Three-dimensional printing technologies are mainly used to build objects with complex shapes and geometry, largely prototypes, and thanks to the possibility of building very thin layers of material with small pores, electrospinning technology allows for the creation of structures with filtration properties, in particular very small particles. The combination of these technologies creates new possibilities for building complex-shape composites that have not been comprehensively tested so far. The article describes the results of research on composites manufactured by combining samples prepared with two 3D printing technologies, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Photo-Curing of Liquid Polymer Resins (PJM) in combination with electrospinning (ES) technology. The surface morphology of composites manufactured from biocompatible materials was investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and contact angle measurements, and chemical composition analysis was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). This approach to creating composites appears to be an alternative to developing research for filtration applications. The article presents basic research illustrating the quality of composites produced by combining two unconventional technologies: 3D printing and electrospinning (ES). The analysis of the research results showed clear differences in the structure of composites produced with the use of various 3D printing technologies. The CLSM analysis showed a much better orientation of the fibers in the MED610 + PAN/gelatin composite, and the measurement of the contact angle and its indirect interpretation also for this composite allows for the conclusion that it will be characterized by a higher value of adhesion force. Moreover, such composites could be used in the future for the construction of filtering devices and in medical applications.

Highlights

The production of complex objects using conventional technologies requires the use of numerous technological processes and a large number of tools [1] and the production of objects becomes timeconsuming
The measurement of the contact angle of nanofiber mats was not possible because the droplet was immediately absorbed into the nanofiber mat due to the cap1i4lloafr1y8 effect
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Summary

Introduction

The production of complex objects using conventional technologies requires the use of numerous technological processes and a large number of tools (injection molds, casting molds, dies, and cutting tools) [1] and the production of objects becomes timeconsuming. The use of 3D printing technology to produce complex objects, e.g., freeform objects [2], especially prototypes, in the era of industrial transformation 4.0, is a natural choice and fits perfectly into the realities of such issues as lean manufacturing and LPPD (lean process and product development) [3], where the main objective is to produce structures with a minimum weight and maximum fulfillment of product quality requirements [4] while maintaining an optimal manufacturing process. These technologies are successfully used wherever the time of product implementation is a key competitive parameter. Three dimensional printing technologies have some possibilities of using composite materials [9,10], especially technologies such as Selective Laser Sintering—SLS, Fused Filament Fabrication—FFF, commercially known as Fused Deposition Modeling—FDM® [11]

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