Influence of sonication parameters on the mechanical and functional properties of the 3D-printed nanocomposites
Applied Physics A: Materials Science and Processing, vol.132, no.9, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 132 Issue: 9
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1007/s00339-026-10073-8
- Journal Name: Applied Physics A: Materials Science and Processing
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
- Keywords: 3D-printing, Carbon nanotube, Conductivity, Mechanical properties, Thermal properties
- Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes are widely used to create functional smart materials with broad applications. Here, we 3D-printed a carbon nanotube/acrylic resin nanocomposite to investigate how CNT sonication parameters affect the thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. To determine those properties, we used SEM, DSC, and a dilatometer. Nanocomposites with the shortest sonication duration exhibited significant CNT agglomeration, resulting in voids within the layers. The highest electrical conductivity (3.0110−4 S/m) was observed for the nanocomposites with the lowest sonication amplitude (15% (30 W sonication amplitude)) and duration (15 min). The measured electrical conductivity values showed a gradual decreasing trend with increasing sonication power and duration. A reduction of approximately 18% in the coefficient of thermal expansion was observed for nanocomposites fabricated using a low sonication amplitude (15%) and a long sonication duration (30 min) compared with the pure resin. The estimated thermal conductivity values suggested an increase of approximately 40% compared with the pure resin for nanocomposites sonicated at a high sonication amplitude (50%) for 30 min. Furthermore, no correlation was observed between the duration and the estimated thermal conductivity. Upon the addition of single-walled carbon nanotubes, strength and elongation at break decreased by 41% and 46%, respectively, in nanocomposites sonicated at the lowest amplitude (15%) and for 30 min. The elastic modulus showed no significant change. In conclusion, the addition of SWCNTs yields functional composites; significant attention must be paid to processing parameters to improve functional properties.