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High-Resolution 3D Fabrication of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposite (FRPN) Objects by Two-Photon Direct
Tiziana Ritacco1,2, Wera Di Cianni1,2,3, Dario Perziano2
1Institute of Nanotechnology─Nanotec Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche─Sede di Cosenza. Ponte P. Bucci - Cubo 33C, Rende 87036, Italy.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 8, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a novel fiber-reinforced polymer nanocomposite (FRPN) using silica nanowires (SiO2 NWs) and two-photon direct laser writing (TP-DLW). This FRPN shows significantly enhanced mechanical properties for advanced structural applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Two-photon direct laser writing (TP-DLW) is a high-resolution 3D fabrication technique.
- Fiber-reinforced polymer nanocomposites (FRPNs) offer enhanced mechanical properties.
- Silica nanowires (SiO2 NWs) have tunable optical and mechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate a novel FRPN using TP-DLW with SiO2 NWs as nanofillers.
- To investigate the effect of SiO2 NWs on the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix.
- To explore different printing configurations for versatile nanofabrication.
Main Methods:
- Nanofabrication of FRPN via TP-DLW.
- Incorporation of SiO2 NWs into a photoresist matrix.
- Mechanical characterization using Young's modulus and nanohardness measurements.
- Utilizing silicon chips with grown SiO2 NWs as fabrication substrates.
Main Results:
- Achieved high resolution TP-DLW with up to 70 wt% SiO2 NW loading due to refractive index matching.
- Demonstrated a fourfold increase in Young's modulus (8.23 GPa) and nanohardness (120 MPa) compared to the bare photoresist.
- Successfully implemented three distinct printing configurations: adhesive layer, sacrificial layer, and shell and scaffold strategy.
Conclusions:
- The developed TP-DLW technique with SiO2 NWs is well-suited for fabricating FRPNs with enhanced structural integrity.
- The ability to tune printing configurations offers versatility for various advanced applications.
- This approach paves the way for creating complex nanocomposite structures with tailored mechanical performance.
