Environmental advancements through additive manufacturing of functional polymers and nanocomposites

Additive manufacturing (AM) has advanced from its initial stages to become an ever-evolving production technique with the proven capacity to dramatically transform conventional manufacturing in the times ahead. Polymer nanocomposites have generated increasing interest in the realm of research and development, holding promise for numerous present and potential industrial uses due to their significant advantages over traditional materials. These composites offer a superior strength, weight ratio, customizable properties, adaptable manufacturing techniques, corrosion and erosion resistance, and reduced costs. The recent advancements in AM techniques have expanded the possibilities for diverse designs and materials across various industrial sectors like aerospace, biomedical, construction, electronics, telecommunication, mechanical, and defense. Despite the swift evolution of the field driven by noteworthy technological progress, the focus remains on materials research, a crucial element for the future advancement of 3D printing (3DP). Intelligent polymers and nanocomposites, which adapt their properties and structure in response to external stimuli, constitute a significant category of materials that show considerable potential for creating sensors, actuators, robotics, electronics, and medical devices. There is a continuously increasing interest in investigating functional materials and their use in 3D printing to address the rising demand for efficiently producing intricate functional platforms. Nonetheless, challenges persist in creating polymer composites and utilizing AM technologies for their fabrication. This chapter offers a comparative analysis of AM processes for polymer composites and their practical applications. We aim to equip scientists with an updated comprehension of the fundamental issues, obstacles, limitations, and prospects. Moreover, this study intends to assist readers in systematically identifying research challenges and future pathways concerning materials synthesis and AM processes.