ASA / spherical Cu nanocomposites in MEX additive manufacturing: a comprehensive interpretation of the engineering and biocidal multi-functionality

Multifunctional polymeric nanocomposite filaments encounter excessive demand from the material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM) industry and rigorous end users. Herein, the fabrication, characterization, and optimization of nanocomposites based on a recent Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (...

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Main Authors: Nectarios Vidakis, Nektarios K. Nasikas, Nikolaos Michailidis, Vassilis Papadakis, Nikolaos Mountakis, Apostolos Argyros, Vasileios Stratiotou Efstratiadis, Katerina Gkagkanatsiou, Emmanuel Stratakis, Markos Petousis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Results in Engineering
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025019796
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author Nectarios Vidakis
Nektarios K. Nasikas
Nikolaos Michailidis
Vassilis Papadakis
Nikolaos Mountakis
Apostolos Argyros
Vasileios Stratiotou Efstratiadis
Katerina Gkagkanatsiou
Emmanuel Stratakis
Markos Petousis
author_facet Nectarios Vidakis
Nektarios K. Nasikas
Nikolaos Michailidis
Vassilis Papadakis
Nikolaos Mountakis
Apostolos Argyros
Vasileios Stratiotou Efstratiadis
Katerina Gkagkanatsiou
Emmanuel Stratakis
Markos Petousis
author_sort Nectarios Vidakis
collection DOAJ
description Multifunctional polymeric nanocomposite filaments encounter excessive demand from the material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM) industry and rigorous end users. Herein, the fabrication, characterization, and optimization of nanocomposites based on a recent Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) copolymer filled with copper (Cu) spherical nanoparticles is accomplished. The objective of this investigation was to develop efficient nanocomposites for the MEX AM method with combined features, i.e., enhanced printability and thermomechanical and biocidal properties. The effects of Cu nanoparticle loading on the mechanical, rheological, thermophysical, and biocidal properties of 3D printed parts are reported herein. The ASA/Cu nanocomposite filaments were prepared by dispersing spherical Cu nanoparticles into the ASA matrix through melt-filament extrusion. The composite filaments were then used to fabricate standard 3D-printed specimens. A significant improvement in mechanical strength was observed at certain Cu loadings (more than 14.0 % in tensile and flexural strength and more than 10 % in the respective stiffness properties at 8 wt % Cu). Biocidal metrics were documented against two pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The agar-well diffusion method was employed, and strong biocidal metrics were reported compared with the reference antibiotics. The multi-functionality of the nanocomposites developed is discussed in depth herein and is associated with the strong polymer bonding with the Cu filler, considering the nano-roughness observed on the spherical nanoparticles.
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spelling doaj-art-d8782c1908dd480ca1981f1f0ae071582025-08-20T02:22:01ZengElsevierResults in Engineering2590-12302025-09-012710590810.1016/j.rineng.2025.105908ASA / spherical Cu nanocomposites in MEX additive manufacturing: a comprehensive interpretation of the engineering and biocidal multi-functionalityNectarios Vidakis0Nektarios K. Nasikas1Nikolaos Michailidis2Vassilis Papadakis3Nikolaos Mountakis4Apostolos Argyros5Vasileios Stratiotou Efstratiadis6Katerina Gkagkanatsiou7Emmanuel Stratakis8Markos Petousis9Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion 71410, GreeceDivision of Mathematics and Engineering Sciences, Department of Military Sciences, Hellenic Army Academy, Vari, Attica 16673, GreecePhysical Metallurgy Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece; Centre for Research & Development of Advanced Materials (CERDAM), Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Centre, Building B’, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi road, Thessaloniki 57001, GreeceDepartment of Industrial Design and Production Engineering, University of West Attica, Athens 122 43, Greece; Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IESL-FORTH) – Hellas, N. Plastira 100m, Heraklion 70013, GreeceDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion 71410, GreecePhysical Metallurgy Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece; Centre for Research & Development of Advanced Materials (CERDAM), Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Centre, Building B’, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi road, Thessaloniki 57001, GreecePhysical Metallurgy Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece; Centre for Research & Development of Advanced Materials (CERDAM), Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Centre, Building B’, 10th km Thessaloniki-Thermi road, Thessaloniki 57001, GreeceDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion 71410, GreeceFoundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FO.R.T.H), Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, ChinaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Hellenic Mediterranean University, Heraklion 71410, Greece; Corresponding author.Multifunctional polymeric nanocomposite filaments encounter excessive demand from the material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM) industry and rigorous end users. Herein, the fabrication, characterization, and optimization of nanocomposites based on a recent Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate (ASA) copolymer filled with copper (Cu) spherical nanoparticles is accomplished. The objective of this investigation was to develop efficient nanocomposites for the MEX AM method with combined features, i.e., enhanced printability and thermomechanical and biocidal properties. The effects of Cu nanoparticle loading on the mechanical, rheological, thermophysical, and biocidal properties of 3D printed parts are reported herein. The ASA/Cu nanocomposite filaments were prepared by dispersing spherical Cu nanoparticles into the ASA matrix through melt-filament extrusion. The composite filaments were then used to fabricate standard 3D-printed specimens. A significant improvement in mechanical strength was observed at certain Cu loadings (more than 14.0 % in tensile and flexural strength and more than 10 % in the respective stiffness properties at 8 wt % Cu). Biocidal metrics were documented against two pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The agar-well diffusion method was employed, and strong biocidal metrics were reported compared with the reference antibiotics. The multi-functionality of the nanocomposites developed is discussed in depth herein and is associated with the strong polymer bonding with the Cu filler, considering the nano-roughness observed on the spherical nanoparticles.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025019796Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA)Copper (Cu)Biocidal activityNanocomposites3D printingMaterial extrusion (MEX)
spellingShingle Nectarios Vidakis
Nektarios K. Nasikas
Nikolaos Michailidis
Vassilis Papadakis
Nikolaos Mountakis
Apostolos Argyros
Vasileios Stratiotou Efstratiadis
Katerina Gkagkanatsiou
Emmanuel Stratakis
Markos Petousis
ASA / spherical Cu nanocomposites in MEX additive manufacturing: a comprehensive interpretation of the engineering and biocidal multi-functionality
Results in Engineering
Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA)
Copper (Cu)
Biocidal activity
Nanocomposites
3D printing
Material extrusion (MEX)
title ASA / spherical Cu nanocomposites in MEX additive manufacturing: a comprehensive interpretation of the engineering and biocidal multi-functionality
title_full ASA / spherical Cu nanocomposites in MEX additive manufacturing: a comprehensive interpretation of the engineering and biocidal multi-functionality
title_fullStr ASA / spherical Cu nanocomposites in MEX additive manufacturing: a comprehensive interpretation of the engineering and biocidal multi-functionality
title_full_unstemmed ASA / spherical Cu nanocomposites in MEX additive manufacturing: a comprehensive interpretation of the engineering and biocidal multi-functionality
title_short ASA / spherical Cu nanocomposites in MEX additive manufacturing: a comprehensive interpretation of the engineering and biocidal multi-functionality
title_sort asa spherical cu nanocomposites in mex additive manufacturing a comprehensive interpretation of the engineering and biocidal multi functionality
topic Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA)
Copper (Cu)
Biocidal activity
Nanocomposites
3D printing
Material extrusion (MEX)
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590123025019796
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