Enhancing Permittivity of 3D Printing Filaments via Nanocompounding for Electromagnetic Applications

This study explores the infusion of Calcium Copper Titanate nanoparticles into Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) filament to enhance its permittivity for applications in the microwave (GHz) frequency range. The ABS and the nanoparticles were compounded at various concentrations to formulate nanocomposite filaments with 10wt%, 20wt%, and 40wt% nanoparticles. These nanocomposite filaments were used to 3D print test slabs designed to fit the WR137 waveguide to conduct permittivity measurement using reflection/transmission methods in a waveguide. Furthermore, the nanoparticles were characterized in the microwave (GHz) frequency range with the measurement of permittivity and dielectric loss using the waveguides. The results unveiled that the permittivity of the 3D printing filaments can be enhanced with the infusion of nanoparticle materials. This study provides valuable insights into the compounding process of the nanoparticles with ABS, offering a foundation for future development of nanocomposite filaments to advance additive manufacturing for electromagnetic applications.