Additive manufacturing of epoxy vitrimer-based composites
File(s)
Author(s)
Hong, Yinglun
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Shape-memory epoxy resin vitrimers are candidates for multiple engineering applications due to their commercially available precursors, good functionality, mechanical properties and recyclability. However, conventional thermoset processing methods, for example mould-casting, limit the design freedom to create complex structures. This thesis aims to explore the possibility of using one of the additive manufacturing techniques – direct ink writing (DIW) to produce epoxy vitrimer-based composites. To formulate the feedstock material for DIW, the effect of filler materials: reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) platelets, on the rheological properties and printing performance of the epoxy-based inks was studied. The printed composites were demonstrated to possess comparable mechanical and shape-memory properties to the pure epoxy resin. Due to the alignment of anisotropic hBN platelets induced by extrusion, direction thermal transport was found in the printed epoxy-based hBN composites. This was investigated by characterising the microstructure of the printed filaments and the thermal conductivities parallel and perpendicular to the extrusion directions.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2023-09-21
Date Awarded
01/12/2023
License URL
Advisor
Saiz, Eduardo
Giuliani, Finn
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
United States. Office of Naval Research
Grant Number
EP/P006566
N62909-18-1-2056
Publisher Department
Materials
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)