Reversible alteration of 3D printed polymer properties via infiltration of alumina by atomic layer deposition

3D printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) structures were infiltrated by alumina (Al2O3) using a trimethylaluminum(III) and water ALD process at 130 and 80 degrees C, respectively, to alter their physical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine the glass transition temperature (T-g) of the polymers' pre- and post-deposition after varying the number of ALD cycles, resulting in a change of similar to 9 and similar to 27 degrees C for ABS and PVA, respectively. After one heat cycle, the postdeposition T-g reverted back to its predisposition point indicating reversibility of the deposition effects are possible. Optimal growing patterns, polymer composition, and inhibiting surface coatings-seen by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy mapping-affected the amount of infiltration possible within the polymer substrate and, in turn, T-g. The results achieved provide guidelines to altering the physical and thermal properties of 3D printed polymer architectures.

Automated summary

3D printed ABS and PVA structures were infiltrated with Al2O3 using an ALD process, resulting in a change in their physical properties. The glass transition temperature (T-g) of the polymers was determined using DSC, showing a change of about 9 and 27 degrees C for ABS and PVA, respectively. The amount of infiltration and T-g were affected by growing patterns, polymer composition, and surface coatings.