Reactive Inkjet Printing of Epoxy Thermoset Composites - RIPE4TEC

Project summary

The core technology to be developed in the project is reactive inkjet printing as a technology to enable the additive manufacturing of novel thermoset composites based on epoxy-polyamine resins. The technology will allow not only for printing parts of complex shape without the need for casting or subsequent processing, but also the control of the microstructure. We will pioneer heterogeneous epoxies, composed from hard and soft microscale subdomains, with contrast and spatial distribution, which will be designed by modelling such to enhance the overall material toughness, without compromising its strength and modulus. Functionalized nanoparticles will be introduced at specific sites to either produce reinforcement or to enhance energy dissipation. The work will greatly broaden the range of applications of epoxies, will lead to a new thermoset printing technology and will introduce new material design concepts with diverse applications.