Additive manufacturing of composites made of epoxy resin with magnetite particles fabricated with the direct ink writing technique

In this investigation, particulate composites materials made of epoxy resin matrix with magnetite particles were fabricated via additive manufacturing with the direct ink writing technique. Magnetite is an inexpensive material and the direct ink writing process is not only inexpensive but also easy to adapt to any material. A total of eight formulations were investigated, from which only four were feasible for the printing process: 32.6, 33.6, 35.4 and 41 wt.% of particles. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, compressive strength, particle size distribution, density, and ductility. Results showed that composites exhibit very competitive mechanical properties even though the process was not vacuum assisted, therefore enabling them to be used in large scale and in other structural applications. Composite can be used in electromagnetic shielding.