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Electrophotographic Powder Application for Surface Functionalization of Polymer Parts with Thin Silver‐Nanoadditivated Bactericidal Layers
Author(s) -
Kricke Jan Lino,
Ebert Niklas,
Sorarrain Ane,
Roth Stephan,
Fischer Dagmar,
Schmidt Michael,
Gökce Bilal,
Marimón José María,
Kopp SebastianPaul,
DoñateBuendía Carlos
Publication year - 2025
Publication title -
advanced materials technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.184
H-Index - 42
ISSN - 2365-709X
DOI - 10.1002/admt.202401262
Subject(s) - surface modification , materials science , polymer , surface (topology) , polymer science , composite material , chemical engineering , nanotechnology , engineering , mathematics , geometry
Abstract The feedstock in laser beam powder bed fusion of plastics (PBF‐LB/P) is typically limited to a few materials with strict flowability requirements and low recycling rates, compromising its economic efficiency and sustainability. Polymer nanoadditivation gains attraction to tailor their physiochemical properties by incorporating nanoadditives. Herein, a new approach is introduced to functionalize polymer part surfaces via electrophotographic powder application (EPA). Polyamide 12 (PA 12) microparticles decorated with laser‐synthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are printed as thin layers on bulk PA 12 parts. The coating provides bactericidal functionality to the printed part with reduced nanoadditive employment. Indeed, only two Ag‐PA 12 layers accounting for a 140 µm thick coating inhibit S. aureus and E. coli bacteria growth. As a result of the low coating thickness and Ag NP loading of only 0.1 wt.%, the mechanical and calorimetric properties remain unaffected. Owing to its versatility, the proposed approach is envisioned to facilitate selective surface functionalization toward graded materials printing at reduced costs and waste generation.