Different from other 3D printing techniques such as selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography (SLA), three-dimensional printing (3DP), and laminated object manufacturing (LOM), the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology is widely used in aerospace, automobile making, bio-medicals, smart home, stationery and training aids, and creative gifts for its easy use, simple operation, and low cost. The polylactic acid (PLA) is a material most extensively applied in FDM technology for its low melting point, non-poison, non-irritation, and sound biocompatibility. The FDM 3D-printed PLA parts are a research hotspot in the 3D printing field. This paper is intended to sum up the latest research results and achievements made in recent years in the interface bonding property, mechanical properties, and shape precision promotion of FDM 3D-printed PLA parts as well as the functional expansion of the PLA parts based on vast domestic and overseas literature. The literature research collection focuses on the following two aspects: one is the macroscopic technical research on the optimal settings of key technological parameters; the other one is the PLA modification research on improvement of cross-linking state and crystallinity of PLA molecular chains, carbon reinforced phase modification of PLA, and PLA functional compound modification. The researches in the two aspects are of importance in improving whole properties, enhancing functional applications, and expanding and enriching the applications of FDM 3D-printed PLA parts. This paper is expected to give some helps and references to the researchers who are specializing in the 3D printing field.

A critical review of fused deposition modeling 3D printing technology in manufacturing polylactic acid parts

Multifunctional Cu2+-montmorillonite/epoxy resin nanocomposites with antibacterial activity

Fabricating porous poly(lactic acid) fibres via electrospinning

A reactive copper-organophosphate-MXene heterostructure enabled antibacterial, self-extinguishing and mechanically robust polymer nanocomposites

The inert nature of most commercial polymers and nanomaterials results in limitations of applications in various industrial fields. This can be solved by surface modifications to improve physicochemical and biological properties, such as adhesion, printability, wetting and biocompatibility. Polymer functionalization allows to graft specific moieties and conjugate molecules that improve material performances. In the last decades, several approaches have been designed in the industry and academia to graft functional groups on surfaces. Here, we review surface decoration of polymers and nanomaterials, with focus on major industrial applications in the medical field, textile industry, water treatment and food packaging. We discuss the advantages and challenges of polymer functionalization. More knowledge is needed on the biology behind cell–polymer interactions, nanosafety and manufacturing at the industrial scale.

/pdf/functionalization-of-polymers-and-nanomaterials-for-water-4e79wpyl6v.pdf

Functionalization of polymers and nanomaterials for water treatment, food packaging, textile and biomedical applications: a review

Self-heating of dried industrial tannery wastewater sludge induced by pyrophoric iron sulfides formation

The paper reports the results of a project aiming to obtain multifunctional binary and ternary polymer nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and anti-microbial properties. To this end a DGEBA-based epoxy resin is loaded using montmorillonite clays and later used as matrix for glass fibre reinforced laminates. Both binary and ternary nanomodified specimens are manufactured and subjected to mechanical testing. An accurate analysis of the effect of nanomodification on the biological activity is carried out as well.

Multifunctional polymer nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and anti-microbial properties

An ATR-FTIR and ESEM study on magnetic tapes for the assessment of the degradation of historical audio recordings

The paper describes the system, the procedure and the first results of a series of experiments of photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds (phenols and pyridines) carried out using commercial P-25 TiO 2 as catalyst and commercial LEDs as light sources. A relevant amount of organic products (more than 50%) is converted to CO 2 and aliphatic alcohols and carboxylic acids are formed as intermediates. Typically, in the case of phenols the degradation times are doubled (from 200 to 400 minutes) by comparing the processes performed using LEDs and conventional UV lamps. In the case of pyridines the times are comparable. These preliminary results are aimed to establish the lowest radiation power which can induce titania activation in order to design and optimize suitable cheap devices for pollutant degradation.

Fabio Simionato

Papers

Multifunctional Cu2+-montmorillonite/epoxy resin nanocomposites with antibacterial activity

Self-heating of dried industrial tannery wastewater sludge induced by pyrophoric iron sulfides formation

Multifunctional polymer nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and anti-microbial properties

An ATR-FTIR and ESEM study on magnetic tapes for the assessment of the degradation of historical audio recordings

Commercial TiO 2 P25 activation: Evaluation of efficacy in photodegration processes of different radiating sources