In this article, we explore the fascinating process behind how "3D Frontier" ultra-thin and ultra-light materials are created. As you might imagine, when combined with 3D printing, this technology is akin to the holy grail of manufacturing. Last year, a South Korean research team made history by successfully using 3D printed graphene nanowires for the first time.
Now, a team from Imperial College London has taken this innovation a step further. They have developed a method to print complex three-dimensional structures using graphene. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities in material science and engineering.
Dr. Esther Gay, from Imperial College London, explains: “Our formulations require the fluidity of the filament deposits needed for 3D printing. The ink must pass through very small nozzles, maintain its shape, and solidify immediately.â€
The technique they use is known as direct ink writing, or sometimes referred to as direct writing or Robocasting. It involves using two-dimensional materials to build macroscopic three-dimensional structures. Initially, the goal was to print graphene structures, not synthetic ones. However, the challenge was that graphene is highly hydrophobic.
To overcome this, the team developed a 3D printable ink using graphene oxide—a chemically modified form of graphene that can be processed in water. This innovative approach allows for more versatile and practical applications.
The ink is also considered "smart," as it changes its shape and properties based on environmental triggers such as temperature or chemical substances. This makes it ideal for printing intricate nanowires in 3D.
Dr. Garcia-Tunyon added, “The ink can pass through a 100-nanometer nozzle, and its rheology can be customized depending on the printing method—whether extrusion, gel-based, or other types.â€
While 3D printing has become widely accessible, with many commercial printers available for everyday use, there's still a long way to go before we can print with a wide range of materials and practical equipment. Nonetheless, this development marks a significant step forward in the field of advanced materials and additive manufacturing.
(Editor)
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