Vapor-induced phase-separation-enabled versatile direct ink writing

Marc Sole-Gras, Bing Ren, Benjamin J. Ryder, Jinqun Ge, Jinge Huang, Wenxuan Chai, Jun Yin, Gerhard E. Fuchs, Guoan Wang, Xiuping Jiang and Yong Huang ()
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Marc Sole-Gras: University of Florida
Bing Ren: University of Florida
Benjamin J. Ryder: University of Florida
Jinqun Ge: University of South Carolina
Jinge Huang: Clemson University
Wenxuan Chai: University of Florida
Jun Yin: Zhejiang University
Gerhard E. Fuchs: University of Florida
Guoan Wang: University of South Carolina
Xiuping Jiang: Clemson University
Yong Huang: University of Florida

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Versatile printing of polymers, metals, and composites always calls for simple, economic approaches. Here we present an approach to three-dimensional (3D) printing of polymeric, metallic, and composite materials at room conditions, based on the polymeric vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS) process. During VIPS 3D printing (VIPS-3DP), a dissolved polymer-based ink is deposited in an environment where nebulized non-solvent is present, inducing the low-volatility solvent to be extracted from the filament in a controllable manner due to its higher chemical affinity with the non-solvent used. The polymeric phase is hardened in situ as a result of the induced phase separation process. The low volatility of the solvent enables its reclamation after the printing process, significantly reducing its environmental footprint. We first demonstrate the use of VIPS-3DP for polymer printing, showcasing its potential in printing intricate structures. We further extend VIPS-3DP to the deposition of polymer-based metallic inks or composite powder-laden polymeric inks, which become metallic parts or composites after a thermal cycle is applied. Furthermore, spatially tunable porous structures and functionally graded parts are printed by using the printing path to set the inter-filament porosity as well as an inorganic space-holder as an intra-filament porogen.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47452-9

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