to mix the components during the printing process itself,
we can create as many different polymers as we want.”
The approach can also be applied to catalysis
research, by manufacturing entire functional pieces at
once, said Slowing.
“A catalytic device can be constructed—the support, the
reactors, the catalysts—all in a single unit. For researchers,
the advantage is that modifications to the reactor design
can happen quickly, in-house, without having to wait for
customization from an outside source.”
These catalytic devices could be used for sensing,
purifying, refining “almost any application you could think
of,” said Slowing.
Another objective for research in 3D printing at Ames
Laboratory is addressing the need for high resolution in
additive manufacturing. Slowing believes that expertise
in chemistry can bridge the gap between the nano- and
macro-scale.
“If on one hand we are able to produce macroscopic
solids with a 3D printer with a resolution down to a
couple of microns, and on the other hand we can use
the self-assembly methods of chemistry to organize
groups of molecules into nanoparticles that can be
organized up to a couple of microns, then we can
control the manufacturing of matter in the whole range
from the nano- up to the macro-scale,” said Slowing.
“The transformative potential of this research is very
large and it is expected to create avenues for partnerships
with other research facilities and industry.”
Ames Laboratory scientist Igor Slowing demonstrates the use of a syringe-based injection printer.
A demonstration 3D model of Ames Laboratory’s logo.
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