Additive Manufacturing of Multi-functional Ferroic Composites

A technology platform is proposed for the additive manufacturing of ferroic composites via inkjet printing, aimed at High Power Microwave (HPM) applications. Ferroelectric and ferromagnetic nanoparticles, in both simple core and advanced core-shell structures, will be synthesized in a range of sizes. These nanoparticles will undergo chemical treatment to enhance their dispersion at variety of  concentrations within printable composite materials. The process will demonstrate the ability to inkjet print (IJP) deposit nanomaterials into highly organized solid forms, with a focus on evaluating their dielectric, electrical, and magnetic characteristics. Additionally, the mechanical attributes, including tensile strength, hardness, and compressive strength, will be assessed. With reactive molecular chemistry, the properties of the ferroic materials will be optimized. The effect of applying electric and magnetic fields during the printing process to produce anisotropic materials will be demonstrated. The initiative will culminate in the demonstration and evaluation of prototype three-dimensional proof-of-concept HPM devices, advancing the technology platform to a level ready for the development of fully operational HPM devices in a subsequent phase II program.