Method and apparatus for 3d printing of nano-filler/polymer composites

1. A method for printing an object via additive manufacturing, the process comprising:

depositing a first layer, the first layer comprising droplets of a thermo-polymer ink, wherein the thermo-polymer ink comprises thermo-plastic resin particles ultrasonically dispersed in a first suspension medium;

depositing, a second layer on at least a portion of the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises droplets of a nano-filler ink, wherein the nano-filler ink comprises a first nano-filler ultrasonically dispersed in a second suspension medium;

depositing a third layer on at least a portion of the second layer, wherein the third layer comprises droplets of the thermo-polymer ink comprising thermo-plastic resin particles ultrasonically dispersed in the first suspension medium; and

exposing the first, second and third layers to microwave radiation.

2. The method of claim 1 and further wherein the thermo-polymer ink further comprises second nanofiller.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first nano-filler and the second nano-filler comprise different materials.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first nano-filler comprises carbon nanotubes.

5. The method of claim 1 and further wherein prior to exposing the first, second, and third layers to microwave radiation, the method further comprises sintering the first layer by exposing it to laser light.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein exposing the first, second and third layers to microwave radiation further comprises exposing the first, second and third layers to microwave radiation at a first power level then exposing the first, second and third layers to microwave radiation at a second power level, wherein the first power level is relatively greater than the second power level.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising exposing the first, second and third layers to microwave radiation at a third power level after exposing same at the second power level, wherein the second power level is relatively greater than the third power level.

8. A method for printing an object via additive manufacturing, the process comprising:

depositing a first layer, the first layer comprising droplets of a thermo-polymer ink, wherein the thermo-polymer ink comprises thermo-plastic resin particles in a first suspension medium;

depositing a second layer on at least a portion of the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises droplets of a nano-filler ink, wherein the nano-filler ink comprises a first nano-filler in a second suspension medium;

depositing a third layer on at least a portion of the second layer, wherein the third layer comprises droplets of the first thermo-polymer ink; and

exposing the first, second and third layers to microwave radiation, wherein the thermopolymer ink is prepared by:

(a) compounding the thermo-plastic resin particles with carbon black;

(b) powderizing the compounded thermo-plastic resin particles/carbon black to produce a powder;

(c) adding the powder to the first suspension medium forming a mixture; and

(d) agitating the mixture.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the thermo-plastic resin particles is PEEK.

10. A method for printing an object via additive manufacturing, the process comprising:

depositing a first layer, the first layer comprising droplets of a thermo-polymer ink, wherein the thermo-polymer ink comprises thermo-plastic resin particles in a first suspension medium;

depositing a second layer on at least a portion of the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises droplets of a nano-filler ink, wherein the nano-filler ink comprises a first nano-filler in a second suspension medium;

depositing a third layer on at least a portion of the second layer, wherein the third layer comprises droplets of the first thermo-polymer ink; and

exposing the first, second and third layers to microwave radiation, wherein the thermopolymer ink is prepared by:

(a) compounding the thermo-plastic resin particles with a second nano-filler;

(b) powderizing the compounded thermo-plastic resin particles/second nano-filler to produce a powder;

(c) adding the powder to the first suspension medium, thereby forming a mixture; and

(d) agitating the mixture.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the thermo-plastic resin is PEEK and the second nano-filler comprises CNTs.

12. A method for printing an object via additive manufacturing, the process comprising:

depositing a first layer, the first layer comprising droplets of a thermo-polymer ink, wherein the thermo-polymer ink comprises thermo-plastic resin particles in a first suspension medium;

depositing a second layer on at least a portion of the first layer, wherein the second layer comprises droplets of a nano-filler ink, wherein the nano-filler ink comprises a first nano-filler in a second suspension medium;

depositing a third layer on at least a portion of the second layer, wherein the third layer comprises droplets of the first thermo-polymer ink; and

exposing the first, second and third layers to microwave radiation, wherein the nano-filler ink is prepared by:

(a) adding the first nano-filler to the second suspension medium;

(b) adding a surfactant to the second suspension medium, wherein the surfactant, the first nanofiller, and the second suspension medium form a mixture; and

(c) agitating the mixture.

13. The method of claim 5 wherein the thermo-polymer ink further comprises particles adapted to enhance the absorption of radiant energy by the first layer.