Additive manufacturing of multifunctional polylactic acid (PLA)—multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vidakis, Nectarios; Petousis, Markos; Kourinou, Mirto; Velidakis, Emmanuel; Mountakis, Nikolaos; Fischer-Griffiths, Peder Erik; Grammatikos, Sotirios; Tzounis, Lazaros
• Is Part Of: Nanocomposites. Volume 7:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 184
• Page End: 199
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: 3D printing -- conductive polymer composites -- nanocomposites -- multiwalled carbon nanotubes -- polylactic acid -- 3D printed electronics -- additive manufacturing -- fused filament fabrication (FFF); Nanocomposites (Materials) -- Periodicals; 620.11805
• DOI: 10.1080/20550324.2021.2000231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-0324

Abstract

Abstract: In this work, an industrially scalable method was developed for the preparation of multifunctional nanocomposite filaments. Polylactic Acid (PLA) polymer matrix was enriched with Multi Wall Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT) at various concentrations, to fabricate 3D-printed parts by the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology. The effect of the nanofiller loading at the mechanical, thermal, electrical, thermomechanical, and antibacterial performance of the novel nanocomposites fabricated in this work was investigated. The filler loading of 5 wt.% was also tested to reveal its electrothermal Joule heating performance. The antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites were examined through a screening process, against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). For loadings of 1 wt.% and higher the mechanical properties were significantly improved. The 5 wt.% loaning showed measurable antibacterial performance. The nanocomposites prepared herein can be characterized as multifunctional materials, suitable for various industrial applications, such as sensors fabrication, health monitoring devices, etc. Graphical Abstract: UF0001