| Abstract Scope |
Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterial-infused nanocomposites are a promising class of materials with application areas spanning aerospace, defense, biomedical, and electric vehicle batteries. Uniform dispersion, a strong interface between filler and matrix, and cost-effectiveness are key requirements the manufacturing technique should ascertain. In-situ shear exfoliation (ISE) of bulk layered materials within the polymer can result in 2D nanofillers, having a pristine interface, strong bonding, and with uniform dispersion. Polymer nanocomposite feedstock prepared by ISE can then be used with direct ink writing (DIW) based additive manufacturing technique to obtain intricately patterned sensors and separation membranes. External influencing and post-processing methods such as focused heating, electric field/current, and hot pressing on the 2D nanofiller arrangement make this convergent manufacturing a versatile method to obtain functional nanocomposites with tunable properties. |