3D Bioplotter Research Papers

Complex shapes are created from Yb14MnSb11, a high-temperature thermoelectric Zintl phase, via a two-step process: i) layer-by-layer 3D-extrusion of ink containing partially-reacted powders which are ball-milled from a blend of Yb, MnSb, and Sb powders; ii) heat treatment to synthesize the ternary compound Yb14MnSb11 and densify the extruded powders. A high phase purity for Yb14MnSb11 (83–94%) is achieved in both cast and 3D-extruded ink specimens via a solid-state reaction between Yb, MnSb, and Yb4Sb3 during reactive sintering. Pressure-free sintering at temperatures of 1200–1400 °C densifies the powders to 82% relative density but can also induce the decomposition of the Yb14MnSb11 phase…

We present a new additive-reactive synthesis method where inks – cast into molds or 3D-additively extruded into architectured shapes – are reacted into intermetallic thermoelectric compounds. The new method, as demonstrated for equiatomic TiNiSn, combines: (i) extrusion printing (or casting) of inks containing Ni and Ti powders, (ii) debinding and reactive sintering to form a porous NiTi network, (iii) network infiltration with liquid Sn and subsequent reaction to synthesize the TiNiSn phase. Thin plates, created through this method, show high phase purity and low residual porosity. A thermoelectric figure of merit  = 0.47 ± 0.05 is achieved at 800 K, within the broad range…