Wet Processing of Granular Nickel for On-Demand Extrusion
Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Major
Ceramic Engineering
Research Advisor
Hilmas, Greg
Advisor's Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Funding Source
Honeywell
Abstract
On-demand extrusion is a direct-write additive manufacturing process in which paste is extruded through fine nozzles to produce a geometry, layer by layer, using a 3D gantry system. A manufactured paste is suitable for printing if it has an appropriate low shear viscosity, shear thinning behavior, and the particles are properly dispersed. This allows for easy extrusion and prevents agglomeration while maintaining shape retention after extrusion. While suitable nickel pastes for printing have been found, the characterization of nickel during the paste production process and optimization of paste formulation has not been explored. This study examined how the ball milling of granular nickel powder modifies the oxygen content, particle size distribution, and surface area of the starting powder. The effectiveness of ionic and nonionic dispersants were evaluated with rheology for different milling times. Preferred nickel milling times and dispersants were determined and used to make pastes for on-demand extrusion.
Biography
Nick Timme is a junior majoring in Ceramic Engineering from St. Charles, MO. His research involves the processing of nickel for additive manufacturing. He is on the executive board of Material Advantage as the Historian and is a general member of the Keramos Honors Fraternity. This is Nick's first research project, but he hopes to pursue more in the coming semesters.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2019, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wet Processing of Granular Nickel for On-Demand Extrusion
Upper Atrium
On-demand extrusion is a direct-write additive manufacturing process in which paste is extruded through fine nozzles to produce a geometry, layer by layer, using a 3D gantry system. A manufactured paste is suitable for printing if it has an appropriate low shear viscosity, shear thinning behavior, and the particles are properly dispersed. This allows for easy extrusion and prevents agglomeration while maintaining shape retention after extrusion. While suitable nickel pastes for printing have been found, the characterization of nickel during the paste production process and optimization of paste formulation has not been explored. This study examined how the ball milling of granular nickel powder modifies the oxygen content, particle size distribution, and surface area of the starting powder. The effectiveness of ionic and nonionic dispersants were evaluated with rheology for different milling times. Preferred nickel milling times and dispersants were determined and used to make pastes for on-demand extrusion.
