Feasibility study of 3D-printing two-dimensional metallic materials

• Main Author: Ong, Tze Shern
• Other Authors: Florencia Edith Wiria
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Testing of materials; DRNTU::Engineering::Manufacturing::Polymers and plastics; DRNTU::Engineering::Materials::Composite materials
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/75777
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

MXene is a recently discovered 2D material that has great potential in electrical applications due to its manipulatable conductive properties. However, manufacturing processes for MXene were limited due to its particle form. Therefore, by using stereolithography, the MXene particles could be dispersed within the photopolymer, and solidified into usable parts thus allowing full utilization of MXene’s potential. This FYP presented the results of a feasibility study of 3D printing 2D metallic materials using stereolithography for potential application in 2D material manufacturing processes. MXene was dispersed into commercial photopolymer via solvent exchange and ultrasonic probing. The print parameters were then determined by try and error. All samples were post-cured using a UV flash oven after printing. Through the tests conducted, it was concluded that MXene can be 3D printed via stereolithography and optimal print parameters were obtained. SEM images of printed samples provided evidence of MXene flakes spread evenly among the photopolymer matrix. 3-point-bend test was conducted on the printed materials and came with the conclusion that MXene caused a decrease in the photopolymer’s flexural strength. These results allow for further research into the properties and applications of MXene/photopolymer composites.