Abstract
The brittleness of acrylic photopolymers, frequently used in 3D Inkjet printing, limits their utilization in structural applications. In this study, a process was developed for the production and characterization of an alumina-enhanced nanocomposite with improved mechanical properties for Inkjet printing. Ceramic nanoparticles with an average primary particle size (APPS) of 16 nm and 31 nm, which was assessed via high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM), were functionalized with 3.43 and 5.59 mg/m2 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (MPS), respectively, while being ground in a ball mill. The suspensions of the modified fillers in a newly formulated acrylic mixture showed viscosities of 14 and 7 mPa∙s at the printing temperature of 60 °C. Ink-jetting tests were conducted successfully without clogging the printing nozzles. Tensile tests of casted specimens showed an improvement of the tensile strength and elongation at break in composites filled with 31 nm by 10.7% and 74.9%, respectively, relative to the unfilled polymer.
Highlights
Three-dimensional Inkjet printing, or alternatively material jetting, is an additive manufacturing technology, which allows the fabrication of structures in a layer-by-layer fashion with a high degree of complexity
The results show, with the exception of the specimens containing the 31 nm fillers, a general worsening of the mechanical properties
O3 nanoparticles with an primary particle of 16 nm and 31 nmviscose for structural nanoparticle
Summary
Three-dimensional Inkjet printing, or alternatively material jetting, is an additive manufacturing technology, which allows the fabrication of structures in a layer-by-layer fashion with a high degree of complexity. 100 mPa·s and to be compatible with small orifice diameters of 30 to 50 μm [1,2] This technology allows the printing of several materials at once due to the presence of multiple nozzles per print head. The scope of commercial materials allows the production of components with varying degrees of hardness, flexibility, electrical properties, and biocompatibility [3]. Often these materials are UV curable photopolymers, which have the advantage of instant chemical solidification and low emission [2,4]. Most of the Polymers 2019, 11, 633; doi:10.3390/polym11040633 www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
