Improving adhesion of three-dimensional printed objects on textile fabrics by polymer coating

Abstract

Three-dimensional printing belongs to the emerging technologies of our time. Still being relatively time-consuming and suffering from low mechanical properties, three-dimensional printing can be combined with other production technologies to overcome these problems. Three-dimensional printing on textile fabrics, for example, allows for creating large areas with sufficient lateral mechanical properties in a reasonable time on which three-dimensional printed parts give additional functionalities or laterally selective mechanical rigidity and so on. To create three-dimensional printed personalized knee joint support bandages, however, the adhesion between textile fabric and polymeric parts needs to be further increased. Here, we report on the influence of a polymer coating on different textile fabrics on the adhesion of three-dimensional printed elements from hard and soft poly(lactic acid). Surprisingly, the coating increases the adhesion significantly for the hard poly(lactic acid), while the soft poly(lactic acid) sticks better on some materials without additional coating. Maximum separation forces are measured for linen which can be attributed to the relatively long linen fibers with uneven surface, increasing the fiber-fiber friction inside the fabric and the adhesion to the polymer.

Adhesion of three-dimensional printing on textile fabrics: Inspiration from and for other research areas

“…[34][35][36] Finally, it should be mentioned that some studies report on successful tests to increase the adhesion of the textile fabrics by chemical pre-treatments, mostly following the Korger law that more hydrophilic surfaces allow for a better adhesion, 37,38 or by polymer coatings. 28,39 Generally, these experiments show that properly adjusted low viscosity and high pressure may induce penetration of the polymer into the fabric, resulting in a formlocking connection. This effect may also be supported by good wetting properties which seem to correlate with hydrophilic textiles.…”

Development and testing of material extrusion additive manufactured polymer–textile composites

“…Print layout A involves embedding the textile substrate between two print layers to form a laminated composite, while print layout B involves a one-sided print, deposited directly on the textile substrate. Print layout A is suitable for printing on “open” mesh or perforated textile substrates, whereas print layout B is suitable for “closed” tightly woven textile substrates (Meyer et al 2019 ).…”

“…High denier count fabrics tend to be thick, sturdy, and durable while low denier count fabrics tend to be sheer, soft, and silky Hindman ( 2013a ), Standard Fiber ( 2020 ) High denier count Stitch density Low stitch density Stitch density is a measurement of the number of stitches per inch (SPI) of fabric as it passes from the entrance of a needle loom to the exit Hindman ( 2013b ) High stitch density Weft density Low weft density Warp and weft are the two basic components used in weaving to turn thread or yarn into fabric. The adhesion force decreases when weft density increase Malengier et al ( 2017 ), Mpofu et al ( 2019 , 2020 ), Narula et al ( 2018 ) High weft density Warp linear density Low warp linear density The adhesion force increases when the linear density increase High warp linear density Pore properties Fine The pore properties include the pore size, pore size distribution, pore shape, and porosity determined by the fibre properties and structural properties, such as setting and weave type Eutionnat-Diffo et al ( 2019 ), Ragab et al ( 2017 ) Large Surface Finish Mechanical Squished, Circe’ finish, brushed or knapped Korger et al ( 2016 ), Meyer et al ( 2019 ), Unger et al ( 2018 ) Chemical Polymer coating (i.e. PMMA coating), plasma treatment Washing Washing agent, enzyme amylase Texture ...…”

The use of statistical techniques to study the machine parameters affecting the properties of 3D printed cotton/polylactic acid fabrics

“…Considerable efforts to improve adhesion have been done by varying the textile fabric, polymer, as well as the printing parameters [10][11][12] and also by polymer coating. 13 Although the effect of these different factors has been studied and observed, there is still need for more research to be able to determine the optimum settings for the best adhesion in different polymer-textile combinations. This article will investigate the effect of 3D printing machine parameters on the properties of 3D printed structures.…”