Abstract Scope |
Nanoporous metals are a distinct class of materials with inherent size-dependent properties and high surface area, relevant for designing high-performing materials for catalysis, energetics, environmental, and energy applications. In an attempt to integrate it into additive manufacturing processes, this work (i) synthesizes dense polymer-matrix metal composites reinforced with metallic nanofoams whose pore size range from 5-20 nm, (ii) studies the role of capillary imbibition, and its rheology, extrudability and printability via fused filament fabrication. The following integration challenges are discussed: (a) uniform mixing and infiltration of thermoplastics into porous metals, and (b) nano-confined polymer chains and its effect on its rheological behavior. This is accomplished by examining the wetting characteristics, phase exchange (i.e., between solvent and polymer) and capillary imbibition of polymeric solution as a function of different polymer chain radius of gyration, Rg. It was found that the molecular weight and Rg regulates its wettability, viscosity, density and printability. |