Metallic nanoparticles-based additive manufacturing: A review of recent advances on progress, prospects, and challenges

This review comprehensively examines the integration of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) into additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, highlighting how this fusion advances material properties and process capabilities. The key advancements achieved by incorporating MNPs in AM processes, such as improved mechanical strength, enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity, and increased corrosion resistance, are also outlined in this review. Various methods for incorporating MNPs into AM processes, such as blending with metal powders for powder bed fusion, mixing with polymers in ink formulations for inkjet printing, surface coating techniques, etc., are also categorized in this review. It also explores the practical challenges faced in this integration, including achieving homogeneous MNPs distribution, managing increased production costs, and scaling the technology for large-scale applications. Additionally, the review highlights diverse applications across industries such as aerospace, where enhanced strength and thermal management are crucial; biomedical fields, where improved biocompatibility and functionality are vital; and electronics, where enhanced conductivity and miniaturization are beneficial. By summarizing current advancements, identifying research gaps, and proposing future research directions, this review provides a thorough understanding of how MNPs can be leveraged to revolutionize AM and its applications.