Dr. Konstantinos Sierros, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, WVU
The Role of Chemistry in Direct Ink Writing of Multifunctional Materials, Structures and Devices
Host: Popp
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, WVU
There is currently a burgeoning interest in 3D printing multifunctional materials,
structures and devices for a multitude of applications such as energy,
health and space. Direct ink writing (DIW) is a versatile 3D printing method
based on room temperature extrusion of shear thinning fluids (aka inks) on
digitally predefined substrate locations to deposit complex geometries on a
layer-by-layer fashion. In this talk we will discuss the critical role that
chemistry plays in DIW .
In particular we will be discussing model examples to discuss how precursor chemistry influences ink formulation, printing and post-printing treatments. For example, during ink formulation chemistry plays a crucial role since it influences the fluid’s viscosity and flow properties as well as its curing characteristics. Chemical bonding and surface interactions are also of great importance for realizing stable printing and printed layer adhesion. In many systems, inks undergo chemical reactions after printing (e.g., polymerization and gelation) to transition from a liquid state to a solid structure. In addition, during multimaterial printing (e.g., coaxial DIW) chemistry enables the combination and smooth extrusion of different ink materials in a single step. Finally, the development of ecofriendly inks is another area that we will be discussing in terms of green chemistry approaches to reduce harmful solvents and energy consumption.
Kostas is currently a Professor and Associate Chair for Research with the Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering Department at West Virginia University. He has more than 20 years of experience in multifunctional materials and manufacturing research. He has authored more than 150 technical papers including 60 peer-reviewed publications in high impact journals, 4 book chapters and 4 patents/patent applications. His research has been funded by most federal agencies with a share of more than $6M. He has also served as the inaugural Dean’s Leadership Fellow for Research at WVU’s Statler College of Engineering and has been named the College’s Outstanding Researcher for 2021. Recently, we was elected a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.