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Nanoparticle-Mediated Bubble Suppression During Droplet Solidification for Mechanical Reinforcement
Runmiao Gao1,2, Xuan Zhang1, Mengjie Song1
1Department of Energy and Power Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|August 5, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a nanoparticle strategy to reduce air bubbles during 3D ice printing. This method enhances the mechanical strength of printed components, making them suitable for load-bearing applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Additive Manufacturing
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Droplet-based 3D printing offers complex structure fabrication.
- Quantitative control over droplet solidification and mechanical properties is crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nanoparticle-mediated strategy for suppressing air bubbles during ice droplet solidification.
- To enhance the mechanical performance and enable quantitative regulation of 3D printed components.
Main Methods:
- Investigated nanoparticle effects (concentration, diameter, type) on droplet nucleation and freezing.
- Utilized the transparency of ice to observe and analyze bubble formation.
- Developed a unified influencing factor to correlate nanoparticle properties with freezing characteristics.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles increased nucleation temperature, refined ice dendrites, and reduced freezing rates.
- Successfully diminished trapped air bubbles, reducing bubble volume fraction by ~35%.
- Achieved up to a 39% increase in compressive strength, more than doubling reported averages.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle addition provides a low-cost, effective method for bubble suppression and mechanical reinforcement in 3D printed ice.
- Elucidated physical mechanisms of nanoparticle-mediated bubble suppression.
- Offers a viable pathway for fabricating high-performance composite printing materials.
