Welding of 3D-printed carbon nanotube-polymer composites by locally induced microwave heating.

ABSTRACT: Additive manufacturing through material extrusion, often termed three-dimensional (3D) printing, is a burgeoning method for manufacturing thermoplastic components. However, a key obstacle facing 3D-printed plastic parts in engineering applications is the weak weld between successive filament traces, which often leads to delamination and mechanical failure. This is the chief obstacle to the use of thermoplastic additive manufacturing. We report a novel concept for welding 3D-printed thermoplastic interfaces using intense localized heating of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by microwave irradiation. The microwave heating of the CNT-polymer composites is a function of CNT percolation, as shown through in situ infrared imaging and simulation. We apply CNT-loaded coatings to a 3D printer filament; afte

SUBMITTER: Sweeney CB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5470831 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature