Self-activating metal-polymer composites for the straightforward selective metallization of 3D printed parts by stereolithography

Year: 2023

Authors: Credi C., Bernasconi R., Levi M., Magagnin L.

Autors Affiliation: Consiglio Nazl Ric INO CNR, Ist Nazl Ott, Via Madonna Piano 10, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; LENS European Lab Nonlinear Spect, Via Nello Carrara 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; Politecn Milan, Dipartimento Chim Mat & Ingn Chim Giulio Natta, Via Mancinelli 7, I-20131 Milan, Italy; Politecn Milan, Dipartimento Chim Mat & Ingn Chim Giulio Natta, Piazza Leonardo Vinci 32, I-20133 Milan, Italy.

Abstract: The integration of multifunctional elements directly embedded in three-dimensional (3D) printed parts is the cutting-edge of additive manufacturing (AM) and it is crucial for enlarging as well as for strengthening AM role in industrial applications. Here, a straightforward and low-cost method that synergically combines stereolithography (SLA) and selective electroless metallization (EM) is presented for the fabrication of 3D parts characterized by complex shapes and end-use multifunctionalities (conductive, magnetic, mechanical properties). To this end, a novel photocurable composite based on acrylate resin loaded with nickel (Ni) particles is developed for high-resolution SLA-printing of features with self-catalytic properties for EM. Ni particles are loaded in the resin to trigger metal deposition avoiding time consuming and expensive laser-based surface activation. The effect of Ni content on SLA behavior as well as on the efficiency of EM process is studied. Metallized SLA cured samples show good electrical and magnetic properties as well as improved robustness with respect to their non-loaded counterparts. Then, selective metallization of 3D printed parts is successfully achieved by implementing a multi -material SLA-printing where loaded and non-loaded resins are properly interchanged with strong adhesion at the interface, thus offering a cost-effective approach for rapid prototyping of functional free-form features on 3D structures.(c) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Journal/Review: JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T

Volume: 22      Pages from: 1855  to: 1867

KeyWords: Stereolithography; Composite; Nickel; Electroless plating; Selective metallization
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2022.12.035

Citations: 7
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