Strong and Lightweight Stereolithographically 3D-Printed Polymer Nanocomposites with Low Friction and High Toughness

Abstract

Strong and lightweight polymer nanocomposites with low friction, high toughness, and complex shapes were obtained for the first time through an affordable stereolithographic 3D printer, using low amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles. Tridimensional solid structures (i.e., tensile bars, compressive test specimens, gyroid-type structures, and dense lattices) were obtained. Herein, we found that the compressive stress, compressive strain, yield strength, and toughness corresponding to 3D-printed polymer nanocomposites were simultaneously increased—which is uncommon—using low amounts (0.4 wt.%) of TiO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, we obtained lightweight cylindrical structures exhibiting high resistance to compression with a low friction coefficient (µ~0.2), and the printability of complex and hollow structures was demonstrated.