Polymer-ceramic-composites for 3D inkjet printing

In the scope of the EU funded project Digital Materials For 3D Printing (DIMAP) ceramic filled acrylate inks were prepared for the 3D inkjet printing of components with increased mechanical stability. Thereby, the material ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) was used as matrix material. Moreover, Al2O3 fillers with an average particle size (APS) of 13 nm and 35 nm were used and ZrO2 powders with an APS of 15 nm were utilized. The stabilization of the ceramics was done with 2-[2-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]acetic acid (TODA). For homogenization and grinding planetary ball mill-ing was utilized. The final suspensions were then rheologically characterized. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has been made and the particle size distribution was assessed. Preliminary inkjet printing tests showed the printability of the new formulated inks.