NanoSTeW project breaks new ground in copper processing

Over the next five years, Dr. Silja-Katharina Rittinghaus aims to develop new copper-based materials for 3D printing and focus on sustainability in the process. The scientist from the University of Wuppertal is receiving around two million euros from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research to set up a new junior research group.

Pure copper is ideal for thermal management systems due to its high conductivity, but is too soft for mechanically demanding applications. Alloys increase strength, but often at the expense of conductivity. NanoSTeW aims to solve these challenges by using nanoparticles of silver and yttrium oxide. While silver increases strength without compromising conductivity, yttrium oxide improves the temperature resistance of the material. The combination of these elements with copper is to be tested for the first time as a composite powder for 3D printing.

“In the NanoSTeW project, we are looking for a new material composition that is as strong as possible and as conductive as possible in order to use it for the production of components in additive manufacturing, i.e. 3D printing. Specifically, we are focusing on copper and addressing a problem that arises with its alloys,” says group leader Silja-Katharina Rittinghaus, explaining the project.

The project focuses on two key applications: components for the aerospace industry and ceramic-coated copper radiators for thermal management in electronic devices, for example in electromobility. At the same time, sustainability plays a key role. Copper is to be recovered as a secondary raw material from old solar panels, while manufacturing waste is to be recycled and reused.

NanoSTeW brings together experts from materials science, chemistry, nanotechnology and industry to implement scientific and technical solutions in a practical way.

“In NanoSTeW, we use materials research to provide impetus for new applications and to make important technologies more future-proof and sustainable,” says Rittinghaus.

This interdisciplinary approach shows how materials research can contribute to the future viability of additive manufacturing.