Recent advances in multifunctional polymer/2D nanocomposite development for fused filament fabrication and direct ink writing of electrically and thermally conductive components

Abstract

Advances in polymer nanocomposites presentmany opportunities for tuning material properties. In comparison to utilising zero-dimensional and one-dimensional filler materials, the advent of 2D materials with inherently unique properties allows further fine-tuning of the nanomaterial composite. Additive Manufacturing, or 3D printing, provides an advantage in the production of advanced polymer nanocomposites, enabling rapid-prototyping and facilitating increased design flexibility and optimisation that would not be possible to achieve otherwise. Of particular interest is the ability to utilise multiple materials in the manufacture of a single component or a functional assembled device. This review specifically details the recent advances in multifunctional 3D printing of polymer/2D nanomaterial composites, focusing on the widely commercialised technique of Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and the highly versatile technique of Direct Ink Writing (DIW). We will also highlight potential applications of these materials, processing techniques and resulting properties for various applications, including circuits, sensors, energy storage devices and electromagnetic interference shielding.