Infiltration of 3D Printed Polymers
Enhancing 3D Printed Substrates Using Atomic Layer Deposition
Thesis Information
Author: Atilla Varga
Institution: Carleton University
Supervisor: Prof. Sean Barry
Date: July 2022
Degree: Master of Science in Chemistry
Abstract
My master’s thesis focused on the integration of 3D printing and Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) to create advanced 3D printed architectures. ALD was used in combination with common and inexpensive polymer materials post model creation (using 3D printing) to create nanoscale hybrid materials. 3D printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) polymer structures were coated and infiltrated with alumina (Al2O3) using the trimethylaluminum(III) (TMA) and water ALD process. Coating 3D printed structures resulted in a protective overcoating resisting plasma, and solvent exposure; Infiltration resulted in enhanced thermal characteristics.
Modified Material Example
Below is a video of two benchy structures which were printed in ABS; an untreated one (left), and one coated in Alumina using a TMA and water ALD process (right). Both structures were placed on a stage in a desiccator with ~20 mL of acetone at the bottom. Time is in Hours:Minutes.
This work was completed as part of the Master of Science in Chemistry program at Carleton University.