3D-printing of novel magnetic composites based on magnetic nanoparticles and photopolymers

A fast and cost-effective way to manufacture complex 3D structures out of numerous materials is the technique of 3D-printing employing vat photopolymerization where a liquid photopolymer in a vat is selectively cured layer by layer under radiation with light. To improve mechanical as well as functional properties different types of fillers can be added to the photopolymer. However, when fillers are added particular attention must be paid according to the quality of the resulting part (e.g. sedimentation, homogeneity, processability) which creates the need for appropriate quality evaluation. The aim of our work was to test the feasibility of printing magnetic composites which consist of photopolymers embedded with MNP. These magnetic composites are intended to be used as long-term stable phantoms in magnetic particle imaging. To assist the development of this novel imaging modality phantoms of defined geometry and magnetic properties are mandatory. With 3D printing of magnetic composites, it is possible to advance the characterization of MPI scanners with defined, long-term stable magnetic composite phantoms and opens an elegant way to print complex structures that could resemble body-like parts containing defined amounts of MNP.