Review of research and developments in binders for binder jetting additive manufacturing

Abstract

Binders play a key role in binder jetting additive manufacturing (BJAM), determining the stability of the printing process, geometric accuracy, and properties of the final parts. Analysis of recent research and developments indicates that binders are usually based on water, solvents, or their mixtures in various ratios, with all three types having almost equal significance depending on the specific application. Special emphasis is placed on the rheological characteristics of binders, which determine their printability, as well as on post-processing, which affects the phase composition of the resulting products. The review proposes a classification of binders for BJAM, categorizing them into four types: Liquid organic binders, solid binders, nanoparticle-filled binders, and reactive binders. The evolution of research interest in different binder types over the past 15 years is analyzed, revealing key trends and shifts in scientific focus. Perspectives for future studies are outlined, emphasizing the need for tailored binder development. The advancement of BJAM and the expansion of its applications are directly dependent on research aimed at creating new binder systems that meet the growing demands of the industry. An integrated approach, combining chemical synthesis and materials science analysis, opens up prospects for the development of specialized formulations tailored to specific materials and functional requirements.