Photochemical Copper Coating on 3D Printed Thermoplastics

Abstract

3D printing using thermoplastics has become very popular in recent years, however, it is challenging to provide a metal coating on 3D objects without using specialized and expensive tools. Herein, a novel acrylic paint containing malachite for coating on 3D printed objects is introduced, which can be transformed to copper via one-step laser treatment. The malachite containing pigment can be used as a commercial acrylic paint, which can be brushed onto 3D printed objects. The material properties and photochemical transformation processes have been comprehensively studied. The underlying physics of the photochemical synthesis of copper was characterized using density functional theory calculations. After laser treatment, the surface coating of the 3D printed objects was transformed to copper, which was experimentally characterized by XRD. 3D printed prototypes, including model of the Statue of Liberty covered with a copper surface coating and a robotic hand with copper interconnections, are demonstrated using this painting method. This composite material can provide a novel solution for coating metals on 3D printed objects. The photochemical reduction analysis indicates that the copper rust in malachite form can be remotely and photo-chemically reduced to pure copper with sufficient photon energy.

Plasmonic and Superhydrophobic Self-Decontaminating N95 Respirators

“…To characterize the photothermal properties, a Newport 91160 solar simulator with an AM 1.5 filter was used, with light intensity calibrated at 1000 or 600 W/m 2 , respectively. The laser decontamination was carried out using a homemade laser diode system (total cost less than $100 USD) with motors controlled by an Arduino microcontroller, as reported previously. − The optical absorption spectrum was collected by a Hitachi UH4150 spectrophotometer equipped with an integrating sphere. A Fluke Ti200 infrared camera was used to measure the surface temperatures of the coated respirators.…”

Preparation of nickel/PA12 composite particles by defect-induced electroless plating for use in SLS processing

“…The laser sintering process of plated PA12 powders usually involves solid-phase sintering (before melting) and liquid-phase sintering 5 , 22 – 24 . Three stages could be distinguished during the solid-phase sintering according to kelvin theory: balling of particles, adhesion of particles, formation of sintering necks 22 – 26 . The porous PA12 powder was shaped by balling under the local laser high energy due to surface tension (indicated by σ 1 in Fig.…”

Laser-Induced Transfer of Functional Materials

“…Placing the LIFT device in an inert gas or vacuum environment, such as in the glove box or vacuum chamber, can overcome flammability. Using laser diodes (< 100 USD) instead of high-end pulse lasers (< 5000 USD) is a solution to overcoming the cost issues for LIFT printing [ 43 ].…”