Best of both worlds: Synergistically derived material properties via additive manufacturing of nanocomposites

TL;DR

This paper explores how additive manufacturing of nanocomposites can produce emergent, synergistic material properties that surpass those achievable by each component alone, advancing material performance in various sectors.

Contribution

It introduces a systematic approach to studying synergistic effects in nanocomposites fabricated via additive manufacturing, focusing on processing, morphology, and architecture.

Findings

Identification of processing parameters that enhance nanocomposite properties

Discovery of emergent properties not present in individual materials

Improved additive manufacturing techniques for nanocomposite fabrication

Abstract

With an exponential rise in the popularity and availability of additive manufacturing (AM), a large focus has been directed toward research in this topic's movement, while trying to distinguish themselves from similar works by simply adding nanomaterials to their process. Though nanomaterials can add impressive properties to nanocomposites (NCs), there are expansive amounts of opportunities that are left unexplored by simply combining AM with NCs without discovering synergistic effects and novel emerging material properties that are not possible by each of these alone. Cooperative, evolving properties of NCs in AM can be investigated at the processing, morphological, and architectural levels. Each of these categories are studied as a function of the amplifying relationship between nanomaterials and AM, with each showing the systematically selected material and method to advance the material performance, explore emergent properties, as well as improve the AM process itself. Innovative, advanced materials are key to faster development cycles in disruptive technologies for bioengineering, defense, and transportation sectors. This is only possible by focusing on synergism and amplification within additive manufacturing of nanocomposites.