Dielectric Barrier Discharge Electrothermal Heating and Additive Manufacturing of Thermoset Parts
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Additive manufacturing of thermosets requires a mechanism for solidifying deposited layers in order to prevent part collapse. To accomplish this, non‐equilibrium plasma is proposed for its ability to target, heat, and cure printed thermosetting resin. Non‐equilibrium plasmas have not been used for the curing of liquid thermoset composites, and so their impact on an uncured resin is unknown. Here this work investigates the mechanism through which dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) heats an epoxy/carbon nanotube (CNT) composite under atmospheric conditions. Plasma applied to resin surfaces is found to cause rapid heating, with heating rate controlled by adjusting the applied power. Heating is localized to within the top 0.5 mm of the sample surface and maximum temperature is found to depend on sample conductivity, indicating the heating reaction occurs through a combination of electron conduction and ion bombardment. Characterization of composites cured using plasma shows oxidation and roughening of the surface. Based on the heating and surface studies, several demonstrative prints are performed using in situ plasma curing. This work shows the potential of DBD plasma to rapidly heat liquid substrates and demonstrates how plasma curing expands the capability of existing direct ink write (DIW) printer technologies.
Source: Advanced Materials Technologies
Authors: Ethan M. Harkin, Sayyam Deshpande, Smita Shivraj Dasari, Micah J. Green
Institution: Texas A&M University
Language: English
Subfield: Automotive Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,680
Awards: G4017088194, G4058577203
OpenAlex ID: W4411277995