A New Paradigm in "On Demand" Manufacture: Radiation Chemical Functionalisation During 3D Printing

研究问题和目标：该项目旨在开发一种定制塑料设备的3D打印新方法，通过使用辐射接枝原位功能化聚合物。这种新的制造模式的演示将通过生产一个“展示品”来实现-一个普通的3D打印杯子，然后在浸入含有特定功能的染料的特别制备的液体中时，获得包含曼彻斯特大学和化学符号的设计。我们的长期愿景是使用点回收大量（目前存在问题）的塑料废物。聚乙烯（PE）或聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯（PET）将在挤出3D打印机的打印头中转化为具有定制功能的新长丝，在整个打印过程中可编程应用功能，在打印设备的不同区域提供特定功能。方法：进行此项目的学生将负责：（1）设计、组装、调试和开发动态辐射接枝结合3D打印的实验装置;（2）开发和优化3D打印协议，产生各种辐射接枝共聚物（3）产生一组通过在基础聚合物上辐射接枝的官能团产生的各种彩色展示品;（4）探索生产的先进功能材料在医疗保健、传感器制造和核应用方面的潜在用途。拟议研究的新奇和主要科学影响是将热塑性聚合物的3D打印与这些材料的动态辐射接枝相结合，以承担其任务-重要的是，这两个过程可以自动化和同步，从而确保高生产量和多功能性。该项目完全符合“制造未来”的主题。

Research Questions and Objectives: This project aims to develop a new approach to 3D printing of customised plastic devices, by functionalising polymers in situ using radiation grafting. The demonstration of this new manufacturing paradigm will be achieved by producing a 'showpiece' - a plain 3D printed cup which then gains a design containing multicolour University of Manchester and chemistry symbols when dipped in a specially prepared liquid containing dyes which key into specific functionalities. Our long-term vision is the point-of-use recycling abundant (and currently problematic) plastic waste. Polyethylene (PE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) will be transformed into new filaments with bespoke functionalisation in the print-head of an extrusion 3D printer, with functionalisation being programmable applied throughout the print, giving specific functionalisation in different regions of the printed device.Approach: The student conducting this project will be responsible for:(1) Designing, assembling, commissioning and exploiting the experimental setup for the dynamic radiation grafting combined with 3D printing;(2) Developing and optimising 3D printing protocols yielding a variety of radiation-grafted copolymers (under both static and dynamic conditions);(3) Producing a set of various coloured showpieces created by radiation grafted functionalities on the base polymer;(4) Exploring potential uses of produced advanced functional materials in healthcare, sensor manufacture and nuclear applications.Novel Engineering and Physical Sciences Content: The novelty and major scientific impact of the proposed research is in combination of 3D printing of thermoplastic polymers with the dynamic radiation grafting of these materials to afford their task-specific functionalisation; importantly, both processes can be automated and synchronised thus ensuring high manufacturing throughput and versatility. This project is well placed within the remit of the "Manufacturing the Future" theme.