Characterization of TiO2 Nanoparticle–Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposite Materials Printed by Stereolithography Method

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a novel manufacturing technology group that revolutionizes the design and production processes behind material production. This approach is used in a wide range from simple prototypes to direct parts manufacturing in different industries such as aviation, automotive, energy, biomedical, and bioengineering. Stereolithography (SLA), fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, laser metal deposition approaches are the most widespread AM methods. SLA method is one of the most attractive approaches in the AM field as high-dimensional sensitivity is achieved by using liquid photosensitive resin and laser light. However, although it is possible to manufacture complex-shaped three-dimensional (3D) polymer structures with the SLA approach, the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties are not at the desired levels. To develop more functional 3D polymer materials, various additives are dispersed into polymer structures such as metal nanoparticles, inorganic particles, fibre, carbon nanotube, and nanoclay. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are a very appealing type of additive among these additives owing to their superior mechanical properties. In this study, the photosensitive resin was mixed with four different TiO2 nanoparticle concentrations (pure, 0.25, 0.5, and 1% reinforced). These slurries were then placed in the SLA device, and 3D polymer structures were fabricated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), tensile tests, and Charpy impact tests were carried out to characterize mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of developed polymer materials. It was observed that the particle size was below 1 µm and some agglomerations occurred. The elasticity modulus of the 0.5% TiO2 nanoparticle reinforced sample was measured as 694 MPa and was found to be approximately 20% higher than the pure polymer sample. In addition, polymer structures exhibited more brittle behavior. It was noted that 5% weight loss was experienced at 337 °C in all samples. Besides, the existence of unreacted carbon–carbon bonds was proven by the DSC analysis.