Polymer nanocomposites have attracted increasing interest in research and development due to their numerous advantages over conventional materials (e.g., improved and tailor-made product properties, material, and energy efficiency) and have already led to new industrial applications. However, in additive manufacturing, there are still some challenges in the reproducible synthesis and processing of polymer nanocomposites. One of the most important requirements in the synthesis of the starting materials is the homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix to create the desired material properties (mechanical, magnetic, optical, and electrical). This requires reproducible and reliable techniques to break up possible particle agglomerates and to prevent or counteract nanoparticle sedimentation. Together with our WG, Carsten Nordhoff (engineering department Berlin, IB.TG) developed in his bachelor thesis a system for the reproducible synthesis of resin-based nanocomposites. The implemented mixing process based on ultrasonic inline homogenization with in-situ process monitoring and in-situ metrology ensures the defined and reproducible adjustment of the desired material composition. The system is currently being used as part of the technology metrology transfer (TransMeT) project NANORM in cooperation with the company Micromod Partikeltechnologie GmbH to produce test specimens from magnetic nano reference materials.

Contact: Carsten Nordhoff, IB.TG

Back to Profile