Liquid nanoparticle masterbatches for the deposition of solid inorganic materials

Deposition of materials by digital fabrication methods demands a high degree of homogeneity of the formulation. At the same time, viscosity control is highly important for the processability of the ink. This is especially challenging when it comes to depositing solid high-surface area particles. As well, the particle size and the particle size distribution of the particles in the ink is crucial, especially if ink jet techniques are applied. We present a process to manufacture liquid nanoparticle-masterbatches from commercially available agglomerated nanopowders. The process thus enables the use of inorganic solids in digital fabrication techniques. Each masterbatch contains specifically surface-modified inorganic nanoparticles dispersed in a low-viscosity solvent, like water, alcohol, acetate, ketone, or hydrocarbon solvents. The powders are deagglomerated using agitator bead mills. The particle-medium interface is chemically tailored with respect to the solvent and to further components of the formulation by use of bifunctional surface modifiers.