From precursor to 3D print: Transformation of PVDF-CoFe ₂ O ₄ composite in fabrication process

This study explores the influence of the molecular weight and phase composition of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) precursors on the structural, mechanical, and magnetoelectric properties of PVDF/cobalt ferrite (PVDF/CFO) composites fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM). It was shown that the composite PVDF/CFO printed from a precursor with a lower molecular weight contains a higher content of the electroactive phase, which eventually leads to a higher magnitude of the magnetoelectric coefficient. The lower molecular weight is advantageous due to its reduced melting point which simplifies the printing process. Despite the higher magnitude of the Young’s modulus of the composite PVDF/CFO printed from low molecular weight PVDF, the filaments remain suitable for additive manufacturing. Overall, the results demonstrate that precursor selection is a key parameter for optimizing the functionality and printability of FDM-printed magnetoelectric composites.