• Login
• Admin

Torres, Arielle Colette (2025) Fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (RBJ) using a dual-ink binding system. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

Preview

PDF (Fabrication of Polyurethane Composites via Reactive Binder Jetting (RBJ) using a Dual-Ink Binding System) (Thesis - as examined) - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader Available under Licence All Rights Reserved. Download (105MB) | Preview

Abstract

The high processing temperatures traditionally required for Additive Manufacturing

(AM) often degrade polymer powders, limiting part performance and recyclability. Reactive

Binder Jetting (RBJ), a novel AM process, addresses these challenges by utilizing

a dual-ink binding system that facilitates powder consolidation at ambient temperatures.

This eliminates the need for energy-intensive equipment, such as lasers or heaters,

enabling sustainable manufacturing of complex, functional parts.

This research focuses on the fabrication of polyurethane (PU) components using RBJ.

PU is highly versatile due to its tunable co-polymer structure, making it a valuable

material for applications ranging from insulation foams to biomedical implants. RBJ

challenges addressed in thesis include reliable ink jetting, maintaining stoichiometry and

achieving optimal saturation levels for part consolidation. To address these challenges,

all materials were characterised, inkjet printing parameters were optimised, and fully

consolidated, three-dimensional (3D) 'green' part tested.

The �ndings demonstrate RBJ printing is capable of forming robust polymer 'green'

parts, introducing potential applications within the biomedical or sports industries.

Through characterisation of reactive inks, control of droplet deposition strategies, and

validation via mechanical testing, this work establishes RBJ as a sustainable alternative

for polymer AM. The research highlights opportunities for future innovations, such as

expanding the range of printable materials, including sustainable inks and reactive

powders, improving RBJ printing process scalability, and developing multifunctional

components with gradient properties.

Item Type:	Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors:	Hague, Richard Tuck, Christopher He, Yinfeng
Keywords:	Additive manufacturing; Powder consolidation; Polyurethane components; Ink jetting; Stoichiometry; Saturation levels
Subjects:	T Technology > TS Manufactures
Faculties/Schools:	UK Campuses > Faculty of Engineering
Item ID:	80200
Depositing User:	Torres, Arielle
Date Deposited:	31 Jul 2025 04:40
Last Modified:	31 Jul 2025 04:40
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/80200

Actions (Archive Staff Only)

Edit View