Optimization of a resin with carbon nanotubes ink for printing by Inkjet technologies

Abstract

The main aim of this research is the development of a nanoreinforced thermosetting resin based ink to be used in injection printers for additive manufacturing processes.  (inkjet tecnhnologies). Firstly, printing conditions have been optimized for the nanoreinforced epoxy resin at different MWCNT contents. Afterwards these inks have been used to print 2D circuits based on joined parallel straight lines. These printed materials were tested to evaluate their mechanical and electrical properties. MWCNT reinforced epoxy resin inks developed resulted in successful injection to produce the 2D circuits repetitively. The dispersion of the MWCNTs in the epoxy resin is adequate and the circuits containing 0.3 wt.% of nanoreinforcement were electrically conductive. Mechanical properties were similar for both materials.

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