Abstract

PLA nanocomposites for fused-deposition modeling (FDM) technique are considered. Thermal and electrical conductivity of carbon-based PLA nanocomposites are investigated looking at the different morphological characteristic of the carbon nanoparticles. In particular commercial multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplates (GNPs) are considered as filler in order to realize filament for 3D printed devices for electrical and thermal application. In this paper a filler concentration up to 12% in weight is investigated. Transient Plane Source (TPS) measurements of thermal conductivity show that better heat conduction is obtained through the incorporation in the PLA matrix of carbonaceous nanostructures with predominantly two-dimensional shape (GNPs). DC electrical measurements show that the nanocomposite filled with the predominant mono-dimensional carbon nanoparticle (i.e. CNT) exhibits lower electrical percolation threshold, whereas a greater post percolation electrical conductivity is established with the two-dimensional filler (i.e. GNP). Such characteristics are to be considered in order to make robust and cost effective 3D printed device, by preferring 1D filler or 2D filler for electrical or thermal application respectively. Moreover, multiphase nanocomposites obtained with an optimized combination of CNT and GNP nanoparticles could be exploited to realize devices for joint electrical and thermal application.

Highlights

  • Three-dimensional (3D) printing is revolutionizing the manufacturing of components in different important industrial areas such as aerospace, automotive, semiconductor and plastics ones due to the ability to print in short periods of time 3D parts characterized by complex shape and variable size ranging up to micrometer dimensions, layer by layer given by CAD specifications [1,2]

  • Transient Plane Source (TPS) measurements of thermal conductivity show that better heat conduction is obtained through the incorporation in the poly-lactic acid (PLA) matrix of carbonaceous nanostructures with predominantly two-dimensional shape (GNPs)

  • DC electrical measurements show that the nanocomposite filled with the predominant mono-dimensional carbon nanoparticle (i.e. carbon nanotubes (CNTs)) exhibits lower electrical percolation threshold, whereas a greater post percolation electrical conductivity is established with the two-dimensional filler (i.e. graphene nanoplates (GNPs))

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Summary

Introduction

Three-dimensional (3D) printing (aka, additive manufacturing) is revolutionizing the manufacturing of components in different important industrial areas such as aerospace, automotive, semiconductor and plastics ones due to the ability to print in short periods of time 3D parts characterized by complex shape and variable size ranging up to micrometer dimensions, layer by layer given by CAD specifications [1,2]. The allure of the recent introduction of nanotechnology into this innovative field is the expectation of remarkable improvements and diversifications in properties of the resulting materials exhibiting optimized properties and multifunctionality, especially as concern the thermal and electrical conductivity overcoming the currently limitation to print electrically conductive parts [5]. For this aim there is more recently, an increasing interest in the development of high performance composites suitable for 3D printing, achieved via the introduction of carbon-based fillers with unique properties such as nanotubes, graphene and its derivate in the host polymers [6].

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