Authors:

Aryan Dayal

Date Created:

Not specified

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About Paper:

Additive manufacturing, such as 3D printing, offers significant promise for space applications due to its capability to produce complex parts on demand. However, current 3D printing technology lacks the necessary mechanical adaptability and durability required for space environments. To address these challenges, this research aims to enhance the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts by incorporating amphiphilic Janus particles into polymer resins. Janus particles, characterized by chemically distinct hemispheres, offer unique capabilities in controlled assembly and property enhancement due to their anisotropic nature. This research utilizes silica particles of 3µm diameter, which are initially dispersed as a monolayer onto a glass slide using a micromechanical motor integrated with 3D printed parts, followed by the platinum coating of one hemisphere via sputtering. Initial Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging of the particles revealed successful coating, with minimal instances of irregularities. Furthermore, initial AC testing demonstrated the successful assembly of two-dimensional and three-dimensional structures under varying experimental conditions. The prepared Janus Particles will be dispersed in a UV-curable resin with electric fields applied before curing to induce particle assembly. The composite samples will be prepared in molds of the appropriate dogbone shape and cured under UV light. Following the creation of the test samples, mechanical performance will be evaluated using an Instron Tensile instrument following D638 standards. This research seeks to overcome existing material limitations by demonstrating the efficacy of Janus particle-enhanced resins. The knowledge gained through these experiments will be used to guide future developments in space-grade additive manufacturing. Keywords: Additive Manufacturing; Polymer Composites; Janus Particles

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Aryan Dayal