Synthesis and optimization of fluid properties of 3D-printed modified chitosan biopolymer composite membranes

The study investigates the synthesis and optimization of modified chitosan-silver nanoparticles - graphene oxide (CS/AgNP/GO) composite ink’s chemical and physical properties using inkjet 3D printing technology with the incorporation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a plasticizer. The variation in the concentration of PVA co-solvent affected drop ejection from the nozzle orifice. An increase in the PVA mole fraction minimized the entanglement within the CS molecular structure, improved flow rate, and subsequently formed spherical ink droplets on the substrate, indicating that the solvent was responsible for lowering the shear stress, surface tension, and viscosity of the composite membranes. The optimized drop velocity was achieved at 1.8 m/s, which also yielded adequate drop formation in the ligament. Therefore, it is very essential to adhere to the printer's ink specifications in order to formulate appropriate generic modified CS ink with an acceptable minimum fluid drop velocity to ensure quality inkjet-printed biopolymer composite membranes for different industrial applications.