Developments and Challenges in Direct Ink Writing for High-Performance Polymers
Zhangzhang Tang, Yaoming Zhang, Liming Tao, Zenghui Yang, Peng Liu, Qihua Wang, Tingmei Wang
Abstract
Compared to subtractive manufacturing and casting, 3D printing (additive manufacturing) offers advantages, such as the rapid production of complex structures, reduced material waste, and environmental friendliness. Direct ink writing (DIW) is one of the most popular 3D printing techniques owing to its ability to print multiple materials simultaneously and its high compatibility with printing inks. However, DIW presents significant challenges, particularly in the printing of high-performance polymers. The main challenges are as follows: 1. The rigid structures and reaction kinetics of high-performance polymers make developing new inks difficult. 2. The limited types of available high-performance polymers underscore the need for new DIW-suitable materials. 3. Layer-by-layer stacking weakens interlayer bonding, affecting the mechanical properties of the printed product. 4. The accuracy and speed of DIW printing are insufficient for large-scale manufacturing. After introducing the topic, the requirements for DIW printing inks are first reviewed, emphasizing the importance of thixotropic agents. Then, research progress regarding DIW printing of high-performance polymers is comprehensively reviewed according to the requirements of different polymer inks. Additionally, the applications of these materials across various fields are summarized. Finally, the challenges in DIW printing of high-performance polymers, along with corresponding solutions and future development prospects, are discussed in detail.