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Nanocomposite Manufacturing using Ultrashort-Pulsed Laser Ablation in Solvents and Monomers

Stephan Barcikowski ,  Boris N. Chichkov 

Laser Zentrum Hannover e V (LZH), Holerithallee 8, Hannover 30419, Germany

Abstract

Even though many techniques for the dispersion of nanoparticles into polymers are avaiable up to now, the enhancement of the material performance is still restricted due to inefficient homogenization and re-dispersion of available nanoparticle materials into the poylmers or masterbatches. Moreover, improvements are still required in terms of their purity, and costs.

In this study, a novel route no nanocomposite manufacturing is presented, based on the in-situ dispersion of nanoparticles into monomers and subsequent polymerisation. The capability of a novel method for nanocomposite manufacturing is demonstrated in examples specific to biomedical applications such as medical devices (implants) and a bionic clamping device for micro-parts.

Direct ultrafast laser ablation of solids is used to design and fabricate nanoparticle-based nanomaterials. Without using any chemical precursors, nanoparticles are generated from different materials and directly dispersed in a liquid, such as acrylic acids, acetone, and water . This direct (in-situ) dispersion of the nanoparticles into pre-polymers allows for the manufacturing of highly homogenous nanocomposite materials. In addition, compared to conventional laser ablation, the ultrashort-pulsed ablation gives access to stoichiometric nanoparticles such as shape memory alloys (NiTi) generated from the bulk material.
 

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Presentation: Oral at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2006, Symposium D, by Stephan Barcikowski
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2006

Submitted: 2006-05-18 10:27
Revised:   2009-06-07 00:44