Potential of 3D Printing Technologies in Developing Applications of Polymeric Nanocomposites

Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies are taking up manufacturing challenges for engineering and medical applications by using newer and advanced materials. With the advent of nanotechnology, nanomaterials in general and nanocomposites in particular have various benefits over conventional materials. The various advantages which 3D printing offers, such as minimum material wastage, less post-processing, ease to manufacture complex geometries, etc. can be exploited in the development of nanomaterials preparation with additive manufacturing. The current chapter introduces additive manufacturing technologies and then elaborates the major 3D printing technologies commercially available. Further elaborates the advantages of additive manufacturing over conventional manufacturing processes. A section is dedicated to introduce the various methods by which nanocomposites are being fabricated and shall discuss the resulting mechanical properties. The various underlining mechanisms, potential applications of 3D printed materials in polymeric nanocomposites have been given a prominent place in the chapter. Dedicated table, summarizes the different studies related to polymer composites prepared via 3D printing technology. Applications of 3D Printed Polymeric Nanocomposites is also provided along with advantages of using 3D printing technologies. A section is dedicated to discussing challenges in using 3D printing technologies for making applications with nanotechnology. The chapter opens up new areas to be explored by scientists, engineers and doctors in using AM technologies with nanocomposites for the betterment of mankind.