Additive manufacturing of metallic components reinforced with graphene - Addit-G

Purpose and goal

The attractive properties of graphene and its integration possibilities in metals is of high interest for metal industry for fabrication of high-end hybrid metal-graphene industrial products with improved properties. The aim of this project was to demonstrate the processability and properties of hybrid graphene-metal -materials manufactured by Filament Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology or appropriate post-processing stages. The goal was successfully reached for Cu-graphene composite materials.

Expected results and effects

The availability of manufacturing technology for fabrication of metallic components reinforced with graphene will improve the properties and performance of the end-product in the long term. In potential applications such as thermal management systems positive effects such as increased energy efficiency with lower weight, can be attained. The competitivity of the Swedish graphene and manufacturing industry will improve. International leadership on utilizing graphene in new products is gained. The developments contribute to sustainable development of the society.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was carried out through iterative phases characterized by very active participations of all partners. First, a method to produce the graphene-metal precursors was elaborated. There after the process development for the AM technique Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and for the proceeding stages was elaborated. Advanced characterization techniques were used to measure the thermal and mechanical properties and to identify their correlation to the achieved microstructure.