Fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (RBJ) using a dual-ink binding system

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...

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Main Author: Torres, Arielle Colette
Format: Thesis (University of Nottingham only)
Language:English
Published: 2025
Subjects:
Online Access:https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/80200/
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author Torres, Arielle Colette
author_facet Torres, Arielle Colette
author_sort Torres, Arielle Colette
building Nottingham Research Data Repository
collection Online Access
description 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.
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institution University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
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spelling nottingham-802002025-07-31T04:40:07Z https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/80200/ Fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (RBJ) using a dual-ink binding system Torres, Arielle Colette 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. 2025-07-31 Thesis (University of Nottingham only) NonPeerReviewed application/pdf en arr https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/80200/1/Torres%2C%20Arielle%2C%2014251327%2C%20Second.pdf Torres, Arielle Colette (2025) Fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (RBJ) using a dual-ink binding system. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham. Additive manufacturing; Powder consolidation; Polyurethane components; Ink jetting; Stoichiometry; Saturation levels
spellingShingle Additive manufacturing; Powder consolidation; Polyurethane components; Ink jetting; Stoichiometry; Saturation levels
Torres, Arielle Colette
Fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (RBJ) using a dual-ink binding system
title Fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (RBJ) using a dual-ink binding system
title_full Fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (RBJ) using a dual-ink binding system
title_fullStr Fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (RBJ) using a dual-ink binding system
title_full_unstemmed Fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (RBJ) using a dual-ink binding system
title_short Fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (RBJ) using a dual-ink binding system
title_sort fabrication of polyurethane composites via reactive binder jetting (rbj) using a dual-ink binding system
topic Additive manufacturing; Powder consolidation; Polyurethane components; Ink jetting; Stoichiometry; Saturation levels
url https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/80200/