Materials and Additive Processes group

Polymer-based materials for 3D / 4D printing

3D/4D printing of materials evolving over time (or in space) is a theme that is extremely promising in terms of technological innovation. For several years now, the group has been developing this 3D/4D printing activity in collaboration with numerous academic and industrial players. The objectives are to obtain magneto-active, photo-active and electro-active objects that can be directly integrated into the 3D manufacturing of functional 4D devices.
The group is part of an important regional dynamic in the East of France to develop materials adapted to the technological needs of the future.

Projects:

• MIPPI 4D, FRCR Far East Region, 2019-2022
• ORTHOSIS 4D, LUE ANR, 2019-2021
• MAGNETO 4D, pre-mat CNRS, 2018-2020
• 4DP, Inter-Carnot MICA-ICEEL, 2018-2021
• PHOTO 3D, Carnot ICEEL, 2020-2022
• STONE3D, Carnot ICEEL, 2018-2020
• P-Tronics, SATT Paris Saclay, 2016-2018

Patent:

• Manufacture of piezoelectric components and devices using a three-dimensional printing process, PCT/EP2019/078567.

Metal-based materials for 3D / 4D printing

The lines of research developed relate to the additive manufacture of new metallic, composite or meso-structured materials. The group is also interested in the development of porous materials with 3D architecture, optimized for post-treatment of metallic or polymer infiltration. The final objective is to create modular materials, i.e. materials with physical or geometrical characteristics that evolve over time and/or with gradients of functional properties. This is an exploratory field, where many locks exist, both metallurgically and in terms of shaping.

Project:

• MIMOSA, ANR LabEX DAMAS, 2016-2019

Thesis:

• MIMOSA - Mesostructured Materials and Metallic Infiltration with Architectural Skeleton Optimization, Paul LOHMULLER, Defended 29/11/2019, University of Lorraine, Metz

Articles:

• Architectural effect on 3D elastic properties and anisotropy of cubic lattice structures, P. Lohmuller et al., Materials & Design 182, 108059, 2019.
   
• Stress concentration and mechanical strength of cubic lattice architectures, P. Lohmuller et al., Materials 11(7), 1146, 2018.
   
• A continuous crystallographic approach to generate cubic lattices and its effect on relative stiffness of architecture materials, J. Favre et al., Additive Manufacturing 21, 359-368, 2018.

Anti-counterfeiting materials for 2D or 3D printing etc.

Additive technologies and the entire upstream digital chain are today able to reproduce components very precisely in their shape and finish. This opens a new door to counterfeiting through increasingly accessible equipment. Beyond the economic impact and the degradation of the brand image of companies, the lack of control over the physico-chemical properties of the materials used in counterfeiting can lead to non-conformities and security flaws with potentially serious consequences.

The materials developed by the group can be integrated into the tools to combat counterfeiting by Strong Authentication. These materials can be adapted and shaped by all polymer technologies. They contain unique crystallographic signatures that cannot be deciphered after their development. Thus, each material can be used as a unique imprint in a given object. Finally, the use of these materials can also be considered in all application sectors that are victims of counterfeiting.

Project:

• SAM, SATT SAYENS, 2017-2019, in the process of transfer.

Patents:

• Anti-counterfeiting object, deposit n° FR1908174
• Method of authenticating an object, Europe n° EP3428628.

Development of additive / 3D - 4D printing

• 3D printing: SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), SLM (Selective Laser Melting), FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), Additive deposits of materials (liquids, gels, putty)
• 4D printing: shaping of objects made of multi-materials with reversible and/or evolutionary properties

Characterization

• Determination of mechanical properties (tension/compression, DMA), tribological properties (wear, friction), phases and microstructures (DRX, SEM, ATD)

Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer

• Scientific/technological monitoring related to additive materials and processes, prior study, anticipation of innovative projects
• Coordination and protection of research work in close relationship with development services (CNRS, University of Lorraine) and intellectual/industrial property firms
• Analysis of patentability search reports, adjustment of projects / studies
• Transfer to application sectors, adaptation of the materials developed to the change of scale.

Technical and support staff

• Olivier GODARD
• Samuel KENZARI

Post-doctoral researcher

• Paul LOHMULLER