The interest on high performance 3D printed polymer materials and other nanocomposites and nanomaterials are wide including possible military applications. The industrial scale and possibility of applying these to light-weighting, advanced manufacturing , commercial and military application have resulted in the possibility of replacing metals and ceramics in some function. There is also interest on their electrical and thermal conductivity properties. However, it is not easy to design new 3D printable polymer materials and match applications because of lack of correspondence in thermo-mechanical performance for tooling, parts replacements, molds, and other traditional applications for metals. This talk will focus on the use of high performance polymers, nanocomposites, and high strength resins for the replacement of metal applications to result in: anti-corrosion coatings, semiconductor to electrically conducting properties, high impact and mechanical strength properties. We describe the methods by which such materials can be used and adapted in current machines and the advancement of new 3D printing and additive manufacturing methods for possible advantages in military procurement and parts replacement. Interestingly, this high value chain adding is gaining traction to both chemical-polymer companies and 3D Printing machine OEM builders that can have advantages for defense industries.

Polymer and nanomaterials in 3D printing: Towards high-performance and military applications

2019 Fall National Meeting

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