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Rheology-Assisted Microstructure Control for Printing Magnetic Composites-Material and Process Development.
Balakrishnan Nagarajan1, Martin A W Schoen2, Simon Trudel2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 St., NW Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada.
Polymers
|September 23, 2020
Summary
This study introduces a 3D printing method for magnetic composites with controlled particle distribution. The technique uses engineered formulations and magnetic fields to enhance magnetic properties for electronic devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Magnetic composites are crucial for electrical and electronic devices.
- Particle distribution within the polymer matrix dictates composite properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a methodology for manufacturing magnetic composites with controlled isotropic and anisotropic particle distribution.
- To investigate the influence of material formulations and manufacturing processes on microstructure and properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a material jetting 3D printer with particle alignment capability.
- Engineered UV-curable resin formulations with rheological additives for thixotropic properties.
- Applied a magnetic field using permanent magnets for particle alignment.
- Characterized rheological behavior using rheometry and quantified filler orientation via optical micrograph analysis.
- Assessed magnetic properties using a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer.
Main Results:
- Achieved control over microstructure through tailored material formulations and the 3D printing process.
- Higher additive content reduced particle aggregation but also decreased particle alignment.
- Demonstrated enhanced magnetic properties along the direction of magnetic field structuring.
- Correlated experimental observations with changes in mechanical behavior.
Conclusions:
- The developed methodology enables the fabrication of magnetic composites with tunable particle distribution using material jetting.
- The findings provide foundational knowledge for constructing advanced magnetic composites via additive manufacturing.
- This approach offers a pathway to engineer magnetic composites with tailored properties for specific applications.
