Three-Dimensional Printing in Stimuli-Responsive Yield-Stress Fluid with an Interactive Dual Microstructure.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Rheology
• Additive Manufacturing

Background:

• Yield-stress fluids are crucial for 3D printing support baths.
• Current fluids have limitations in microstructure and material handling during printing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose stimuli-responsive yield-stress fluids with dual microstructures for advanced 3D printing.
• To enable on-demand addition/removal of support materials and control rheological properties.

Main Methods:

• Development of stimuli-responsive yield-stress fluids using nanoclay-Pluronic F127 nanocomposite.
• Characterization of material properties, microstructure evolution, and rheological behavior.
• Investigation of filament formation, surface roughness, and thermal effects.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated switchable states and regulable rheological properties of the fluids.
• Successfully printed complex 3D structures including Hall of Prayer, capsule, and tube.
• Validated the feasibility of perfusing and removing support materials during printing.

Conclusions:

• Stimuli-responsive yield-stress fluids offer enhanced control and versatility in 3D printing.
• The dual microstructure concept facilitates embedded printing and efficient material removal.
• This technology enables the fabrication of arbitrary and complex architectures.