3D printing technology has been used to directly produce various actual products, ranging from engines and medicines to toys, especially due to its advantage in producing items of complicated, porous structures, which are inherently difficult to clean. Here, we apply micro-/nano-bubble technology to the removal of oil contaminants from 3D-printed polymeric products. Micro-/nano-bubbles show promise in the enhancement of cleaning performance with or without ultrasound, which is attributed to their large specific surface area enhancing the adhesion sites of contaminants, and their high Zeta potential which attracts contaminant particles. Additionally, bubbles produce tiny jets and shock waves at their rupture, driven by coupled ultrasound, which can remove sticky contaminants from 3D-printed products. As an effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly cleaning method, micro-/nano-bubbles can be used in a range of applications.
Keywords: 3D printing; cleaning; micro-/nano-bubbles; porous polymers; ultrasound.