| Abstract Scope |
Here, the feasibility to fabricate functional copper and copper-carbon nanotube (Cu-CNT) composites was investigated using laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (LPBF-AM). Cubes of Cu and Cu-CNTs were made by applying a Design of Experiment (DoE) varying three parameters: laser power, laser speed and hatch spacing at three levels. Density, surface roughness, electrical conductivity and porosity were used as response parameters and optimum parameter levels were determined accordingly. Both Cu and Cu-CNT products showed porous structures. Cu-CNT showed higher porosity and lower densities. Because of its antibacterial properties, and biocompatibility, Cu is a candidate for many biomedical applications. Additionally, because of porosity and large surface area, light weight and large energy absorbing behavior, porous Cu and Cu-CNT materials can be used in electrodes, catalysts and their carriers, capacitors, heat exchangers, heat and impact absorption. Functional properties including electrical conductivity showed acceptable results. |