Printability and Performance Metrics of New-Generation Multifunctional PMMA/Antibacterial Blend Nanocomposites in MEX Additive Manufacturing

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a thermoplastic widely utilized in civilian-, defense-, and medicine-related applications. Therefore, inducing antibacterial properties is an additional asset when infection control is prioritized. To counter this, PMMA was mixed, for the first time, with antibacterial agents (antibacterial blend nanopowder, AP) to curb bacterial proliferation and therefore reduce the chances of infection. The reinforcing efficacy of the blend in PMMA was also assessed. Nanocomposites were developed with various nanopowder concentrations for 3D printing material extrusion (MEX). PMMA/AP nanocomposites were evaluated for their mechanical and rheological properties, thermal stability, morphological, structural, and chemical characteristics, and bacterial resistance (against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i> (<i>E. Coli</i>) using the well diffusion method). The effect on quality metrics, such as the geometrical accuracy and pores of the 3D-printed structure was examined with micro-computed tomography. The modified PMMA had improved properties, such as increased tensile (~20% increase at 2 wt.%) and flexural strength (~10.8% at 4 wt.%), while also having strong antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and mild antibacterial properties against <i>E. Coli</i>. Such improvements add to the expanding portfolio of biomaterials, such as their use in the demanding defense sector and the medical field.