Magnetic Thixotropic Fluid for Direct-Ink-Writing 3D Printing: Rheological Study and Printing Performance

Abstract

Yield stress and thixotropy are critical rheological properties for enabling successful 3D printing of magnetic colloidal systems. However, conventional magnetic colloids, typically composed of a single dispersed phase, exhibit insufficient rheological tunability for reliable 3D printing. In this study, we developed a novel magnetic colloidal system comprising a carrier liquid, magnetic nanoparticles, and organic modified bentonite. A direct-ink-writing 3D-printing platform was specifically designed and optimized for thixotropic materials, incorporating three distinct extruder head configurations. Through an in-depth rheological investigation and printing trials, quantitative analysis revealed that the printability of magnetic colloids is significantly affected by multiple factors, including magnetic field strength, pre-shear conditions, and printing speed. Furthermore, we successfully fabricated 3D architectures through the precise coordination of deposition paths and magnetic field modulation. This work offers initial support for the material’s future applications in soft robotics, in vivo therapeutic systems, and targeted drug delivery platforms.