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3D printing and characterization of miniaturized cellulose-based composites
Protocols for lithography based production of nanostructures based on nanocellulose composites will be developed. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the patterned structures will be analyzed.
Keywords: Nanocellulose, 3D printing, 2 photon polymerization, lithography, materials characterization, scanning electron microscope, clean room technology, nanocomposite, biolpolymer
**Project summary**
Nanoscale 3D printing (two-photon polymerization) is a promising nanofabrication technique for customized materials, composites and small scale devices. Conventional 3D printing is traditionally limited to a resolution above 100 microns for the printed parts. While several encouraging materials have been demonstrated, realizing the structures and understanding the role of organization of these materials at length scales below 1 micron still remains less explored.
This project builds on our previous experience in 2D/3D lithography processes, and 3D printing of cellulose composite materials. Our processing capabilities also enable this work to extend into the sub-micron length scale resolution.
The project goals are the development of protocols for lithography based production of cellulose composites, and the microstructural and mechanical characterization of the patterned structures.
The knowledge that will be generated in this project will help to advance the understanding of local structure on the full composite material functionality.
**Project workflow**
• Preparation of dilutions of the cellulose matrix and the photosensitive material and spin coating onto substrates.
• Direct laser writing and two-photon polymerization to print various 2D structures for testing and improvement of process parameters.
• Using the optimized process parameters, 3D composites are patterned and developed.
• Inspection of the resulting structures by optical and scanning electron microscopy.
• Characterization of the mechanical properties of the composites based on nanoindentation and in situ micropillar compression
**Main techniques involved**
• Cellulose-polymer composite ink preparation
• CAD design of printed 2D and 3D composites
• Spin coating
• 2D direct laser writing
• Nanoscribe 2 photon polymerization 3D printing and development
• Microscopic characterization (optical and SEM)
• Micromechanical testing
**Laboratories**
https://www.empa.ch/web/s206
https://www.empa.ch/web/s302
**Location**
The project is a collaboration between Empa laboratories in Thun and Dübendorf, Switzerland. The work will be mainly performed at the Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures in Thun, Switzerland.
**Project summary**
Nanoscale 3D printing (two-photon polymerization) is a promising nanofabrication technique for customized materials, composites and small scale devices. Conventional 3D printing is traditionally limited to a resolution above 100 microns for the printed parts. While several encouraging materials have been demonstrated, realizing the structures and understanding the role of organization of these materials at length scales below 1 micron still remains less explored. This project builds on our previous experience in 2D/3D lithography processes, and 3D printing of cellulose composite materials. Our processing capabilities also enable this work to extend into the sub-micron length scale resolution. The project goals are the development of protocols for lithography based production of cellulose composites, and the microstructural and mechanical characterization of the patterned structures. The knowledge that will be generated in this project will help to advance the understanding of local structure on the full composite material functionality.
**Project workflow**
• Preparation of dilutions of the cellulose matrix and the photosensitive material and spin coating onto substrates.
• Direct laser writing and two-photon polymerization to print various 2D structures for testing and improvement of process parameters.
• Using the optimized process parameters, 3D composites are patterned and developed.
• Inspection of the resulting structures by optical and scanning electron microscopy.
• Characterization of the mechanical properties of the composites based on nanoindentation and in situ micropillar compression
**Main techniques involved**
• Cellulose-polymer composite ink preparation
• CAD design of printed 2D and 3D composites
• Spin coating
• 2D direct laser writing
• Nanoscribe 2 photon polymerization 3D printing and development
• Microscopic characterization (optical and SEM)
• Micromechanical testing
**Laboratories**
https://www.empa.ch/web/s206
https://www.empa.ch/web/s302
**Location**
The project is a collaboration between Empa laboratories in Thun and Dübendorf, Switzerland. The work will be mainly performed at the Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures in Thun, Switzerland.
The project goals are the development of protocols for lithography based production of cellulose composites, and the microstructural and mechanical characterization of the patterned structures.
The knowledge that will be generated in this project will help to advance the understanding of local structure on the full composite material functionality.
The project goals are the development of protocols for lithography based production of cellulose composites, and the microstructural and mechanical characterization of the patterned structures. The knowledge that will be generated in this project will help to advance the understanding of local structure on the full composite material functionality.
For more information, please visit our website (https://www.empa.ch/web/s206) or contact Dr. Jakob Schwiedrzik (jakob.schwiedrzik@empa.ch).
For more information, please visit our website (https://www.empa.ch/web/s206) or contact Dr. Jakob Schwiedrzik (jakob.schwiedrzik@empa.ch).