Magnetoelectric 3D printing technology - the revolution of actuatable composites

Project Information

EVA

Grant agreement ID: 101047081

DOI

10.3030/101047081

EC signature date 9 February 2022

Start date 1 October 2022

End date 30 September 2026

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 2 109 624,25

EU contribution

€ 2 109 624,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - EVA (Magnetoelectric 3D printing technology - the revolution of actuatable composites)

Reporting period: 2023-10-01 to 2025-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The overall objective of this project is to pioneer a groundbreaking technology capable of producing functional composite materials with the unique ability to respond differentially to external stimuli in various directions. This goal can be achieved by precisely position and orient functional particles in the polymeric matrix. Presently, none of the existing manufacturing technologies, spanning from materials and binder jetting to selective laser sintering, from stereolithography and digital light processing to assisted printing, possess the capability to precisely control the positioning and orientation of functional particles during the 3D printing process of multimaterial composites. This limitation underscores the need for our innovative approach to fill this critical technological gap.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

We have optimized synthetic pathways to produce core-shell nanoparticles with functional properties. Furthermore, thorough chemical analyses were conducted to evaluate their crystalline structure and functionality. We explored the actuation of these nanoparticles using external stimuli. Additionally, we assessed their biocompatibility through rigorous in-vitro cell viability tests. We developed efficient protocols to facilitate the surface functionalization of these nanoparticles, enhancing their dispersibility within a polymer matrix.
These findings and accomplishments are detailed in our submitted deliverable (D1.1) titled "Report on Optimized Magnetoelectric Particles."

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

In this first year of the EVA project, we have successfully fine-tuned the functional particles designated for the formulation of the ink that will be used in the EVA printing technology. The outcomes, as showcased in our initial deliverable, are significant towards achieving the project's first milestone, the creation of an optimized ink for 3D printing of active composites. As such, this achievement stands as a key result in EVA that will continue to underpin the advancements made throughout the duration of the project.