University of Silesia in Katowice

Researchers from the University of Silesia, in cooperation with the company Inno Plast Technologies Sp. z o.o., have developed thermoplastic polymers containing graphene, which can be used in 3D printing. Many of the materials known and used in this relatively new technology are characterised by high flammability or low mechanical resistance. This affects the quality of objects produced with 3D printers. This is particularly important in the production of, for example, modern displays or photovoltaic systems. Therefore, researchers from the University of Silesia proposed a solution based on enriching thermoplastic polymers used in spatial printing, such as polystyrene or polycarbonate, with graphene. Thanks to the introduced modifications, the product turned out to be not only more durable but also to have good conductivity. The solution is protected by patents. The authors of the invention are Andrzej Swinarew, PhD, DSc, Assoc. Prof. and Tomasz Flak, MSc from the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Silesia, and representatives of Inno Plast Technologies Sp. z o.o.: Artur Górecki and Łukasz Mikłowski.