Electrospun CNC-reinforced Composite Fibers for Advanced 3D Printing Composite Applications
Topic(s) : Material science
Co-authors :
Shameek VATS (LUXEMBOURG), Clément MUGEMANA (LUXEMBOURG), Carlos FUENTES (LUXEMBOURG), Gregory MERTZ (LUXEMBOURG)Abstract :
In the rapidly advancing domain of 3D printing technologies, composite materials play a pivotal role in shaping innovation. As 3D printing continues to emerge as a transformative force in manufacturing, fiber-reinforced composites stand out as promising candidates, offering a unique combination of strength, flexibility, and sustainability [1]. This research delves into the intricate processes of fabricating and characterizing electrospun regenerated cellulose fibers, reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), to propel the capabilities of advanced 3D printing applications. The central theme revolves around enhancing the structural and mechanical properties of electro spun fibers through the integration of CNCs sourced from sustainable origins.
The electrospinning process is employed to produce fibers with CNCs uniformly dispersed within the cellulose acetate matrix [2]. The incorporation of CNCs aims to enhance the structural and mechanical properties of the fibers [3]. Following this phase, the produced fibers undergo a deacetylation process, transforming them into an all-cellulose fiber structure. This all-cellulose fiber is subsequently incorporated into a PLA matrix, as show in Figure 2, culminating in the creation of a filament meticulously tailored for 3D printing applications.
The morphology of the electrospun fibers, as depicted in Figure 1 (C) through Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (E-SEM), reveals the effective integration of CNC within the fiber structure. Additionally, Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM) micrographs in figure 1(L) provides visual evidence of birefringence, confirming successful integration of CNCs into the fiber matrix. Additionally, Figure 2 showcases an image of a twisted yarn of the composite fiber, featuring 10% (w/w) of CNCs, subtly suggesting the material's versatility. Ongoing tests will shed light on how this integration enhances mechanical performance.
This research makes a notable contribution to the development of composite materials. The outcomes hold promise for advancing the development of sustainable and high-performance materials tailored for additive manufacturing. The study's outcomes hold significant promise for producing sustainable and high-performance composite materials, presenting opportunities across diverse industries.
The electrospinning process is employed to produce fibers with CNCs uniformly dispersed within the cellulose acetate matrix [2]. The incorporation of CNCs aims to enhance the structural and mechanical properties of the fibers [3]. Following this phase, the produced fibers undergo a deacetylation process, transforming them into an all-cellulose fiber structure. This all-cellulose fiber is subsequently incorporated into a PLA matrix, as show in Figure 2, culminating in the creation of a filament meticulously tailored for 3D printing applications.
The morphology of the electrospun fibers, as depicted in Figure 1 (C) through Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (E-SEM), reveals the effective integration of CNC within the fiber structure. Additionally, Polarized Optical Microscopy (POM) micrographs in figure 1(L) provides visual evidence of birefringence, confirming successful integration of CNCs into the fiber matrix. Additionally, Figure 2 showcases an image of a twisted yarn of the composite fiber, featuring 10% (w/w) of CNCs, subtly suggesting the material's versatility. Ongoing tests will shed light on how this integration enhances mechanical performance.
This research makes a notable contribution to the development of composite materials. The outcomes hold promise for advancing the development of sustainable and high-performance materials tailored for additive manufacturing. The study's outcomes hold significant promise for producing sustainable and high-performance composite materials, presenting opportunities across diverse industries.