Particulate compositions comprising a metal precursor for additive manufacturing and methods associated therewith

摘要

Additive manufacturing processes such as fusion of a powder layer of thermoplastic particulates can be used to form printed objects of various shapes. It is often desirable to form conductive traces on the surface of the printed object. Conductive traces and similar features are introduced during the additive manufacturing process by incorporating a metal precursor into the thermoplastic printing composition, converting a portion of the metal precursor to a discontinuous metal island using laser irradiation, and performing electroless plating. I can. A suitable printing composition may comprise a plurality of thermoplastic particulates comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a metal precursor mixed with the thermoplastic polymer, and optionally, a plurality of nanoparticles disposed on the outer surface of each of the thermoplastic particulates, wherein the metal precursor Is activatable to form metal islands upon exposure to laser irradiation. Melt emulsification can be used to form the thermoplastic microparticles.