TimeMass Carbon Nanotube

• Water-Soluble Matrix: The filament’s polymer binder is engineered to dissolve in water in a controlled manner (time-sensitive dissolution). Printed objects can thus disappear or change shape when exposed to water or humidity, offering a 4D printing aspect where time is the fourth dimension . This material composition allows precise engineering of how and when an object will degrade or dissolve.

• Nanotube Reinforcement (1%): Dispersed carbon nanotubes provide a “functional phase” within the polymer. Even at low loading, CNTs are known to improve mechanical properties and introduce electrical conductivity to polymer composites. The high aspect ratio and strength of CNTs mean they act like tiny fibers and conductive wires throughout the filament. Importantly, CNTs have superior mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties compared to most other fillers , so even a small fraction can significantly alter the filament’s behavior.

• FDM Processability: The filament is designed for standard FDM 3D printers. It can be extruded through typical nozzle sizes (a ≥0.8 mm nozzle is recommended for reliability ). The presence of CNTs is optimized to maintain good flow and printability, ensuring that even hobbyist or desktop printers can use the material without specialized equipment. The polymer’s alcohol-based composition prints at moderate temperatures and emits no toxic fumes but water vapor (a safety improvement over most conventional plastics).

• Eco-Friendly and Safe Disposal: After use, printed parts can be dissolved in plain water, breaking down the polymer to harmless molecules without leaving microplastic residue. Only the inert nano-additives (like CNTs or other particles) remain as sediment once the plastic matrix washes away. Please be careful with discarded nanotubes as they’re small enough to enter blood stream.(Users should still handle the leftover nanotube residue responsibly, as CNTs are a fine particulate.)

Controlled Dissolution and 4D Printing Capabilities

One of the most ground-breaking features of the TimeMass CNT filament is its ability to dissolve on command, which can be leveraged for 4D printing and sacrificial material applications. Controlled dissolution means engineers can create structures that serve a temporary function or deliver nanotubes to a target location, then dissolve the supporting material in water to leave behind only the nanotubes or an empty space in a larger assembly. This concept unlocks possibilities to place or pattern nanomaterials in ways previously impossible:

• Sacrificial Templates: Complex internal channels or cavities can be 3D-printed in CNT filament inside a larger assembly, then washed out. The water-soluble binder dissolves completely, releasing the embedded nanotubes in the process. In practical terms, this allows one to deposit a fine coating or network of carbon nanotubes onto surfaces deep within a device or inaccessible regions. For example, a researcher could print a CNT-loaded lattice inside a reactor or microfluidic device and then dissolve the lattice – leaving behind a coating of nanotubes on the interior walls. This technique could create conductive traces or catalyst coatings in places that cannot be reached by direct deposition. The filament effectively acts as a vehicle to carry and position nanotubes, then vanish when triggered by water.

• 4D Transforming Structures: Because the material can be programmed to dissolve after a certain exposure time or in certain water conditions, designers can create objects that change shape or disappear intentionally. For instance, a printed part can hold its form for a useful lifespan, then safely dissolve leaving minimal trace. When combined with CNTs, such structures could have an initial functional role (electrical or structural) and later degrade. Example: A temporary sensor or electronic circuit could be printed to take environmental readings and then self-erase by dissolving in rain or a scheduled water rinse. The CNT network could either disperse or remain as an ultrathin deposit, ensuring no bulky waste remains. This concept is valuable for applications like sustainable electronics, secure devices that self-destruct, or biomedical implants that dissolve after healing.

• Precision Placement of Nanomaterials: Traditional methods of applying CNTs (e.g., coatings, inks) struggle with achieving complex 3D geometries or internal placement. Here, FDM printing acts as a direct-write assembly for nanomaterials. You print the exact geometry needed with the composite, then by submerging the print in water, the polymer dissolves in a controlled manner , depositing nanotubes exactly where that geometry was. This could be used to fabricate nano-structured electrodes or filters: for example, print a mesh of CNT filament in the shape of a filter, then dissolve the binder to obtain a porous nanotube mesh that could serve as an advanced filtration membrane or an electrode surface. Because TimeMass polymer dissolves at the molecular level, it leaves no residue to clog or contaminate the final nanotube structure .

• Electrically Conductive Support Material for Complex Prints: Beyond exotic uses, the CNT filament can double as a dissolvable support material in multi-material 3D printing. It can support overhangs or intricate features during printing, then be washed away like common PVA support. The twist is that any traces of CNT left behind could impart functionality to the main object – for example, a PLA print could be supported by CNT-infused TimeMass structures, and after dissolution, a thin conductive nanotube film remains on certain surfaces, effectively integrating wiring or sensing elements into the PLA part. This dual role (structural support + functional additive delivery) makes it unique among support materials.

Overall, the time-programmable dissolution of this filament makes it a true 4D printing material, enabling objects that physically transform or disappear in a predetermined way. This capability is harnessed not just for visual effect but for strategic placement of CNTs and creation of complex multi-material systems that would be infeasible with permanent materials.

Enhanced Mechanical, Electrical, and Thermal Performance

Integrating carbon nanotubes into a polymer matrix is a well-known strategy to create high-performance nanocomposites, and the TimeMass CNT filament is no exception. With 1% CNT content, the filament is engineered to achieve a balance of printability and performance gains:

• Mechanical Reinforcement: Carbon nanotubes are incredibly strong (with tensile strengths on the order of tens of GPa) and have a very high aspect ratio, allowing them to bridge and bind within the polymer. Even in small amounts, CNTs can act as nano-reinforcement, improving the stiffness and strength of printed parts. At 1% loading, this TimeMass filament is expected to yield a noticeable improvement in tensile and flexural strength of prints, and better resistance to cracking or deformation and since the Timeplast underlying material is flexible, the result can be quite difficult to fracture. The CNTs essentially help hold the printed layers together, mitigating one weakness of FDM parts (the layer interface) by providing fiber-like reinforcement across layers. In comparison to traditional fillers like metal powders, CNTs achieve reinforcement without adding bulk or weight – they enhance mechanical properties while maintaining a lightweight composite .

• Electrical Conductivity & Electronics Integration: Perhaps the most remarkable effect of adding CNTs is that the once-insulating Timeplast polymer now becomes partially electrically conductive (or at least dissipative depending on the design and application). Carbon nanotubes form conductive pathways throughout the plastic, especially when a percolation threshold is reached. In similar systems, ~4–5% CNT composites exhibit a bulk resistivity drop to the ohm-meter range , suitable for certain electronics. At 1% CNT, this filament may be on the cusp of the percolation network; while not a metallic conductor, it should be sufficiently conductive for anti-static applications, EMI shielding, or sensor elements. The presence of CNT imparts semiconductive behavior – the composite’s resistance can respond to strain or environmental factors, which is useful for sensing. Researchers have noted that CNT-based filaments enable printing of structural electronics and sensors directly . With this filament, you could 3D print circuits or conductive traces within a device that later dissolve on command, or create embedded sensor grids in a structure. For example, a complex sensor scaffold could be printed to monitor stress or temperature (taking advantage of CNT’s piezoresistive and thermal conductive properties), and later be removed or allowed to biodegrade when no longer needed.

• Thermal Conductivity & Heat Management: Carbon nanotubes also have exceptionally high thermal conductivity (on the order of 1000–3000 W/m·K for an individual nanotube). While a 1% addition won’t make the polymer act like a metal, it will improve the composite’s ability to dissipate heat and could raise its thermal stability slightly. This is advantageous for printed components that need to handle heat or quickly spread heat (for instance, LED enclosures, heat sinks, or battery housings). The CNT network can help conduct heat away from hotspots, preventing warping or hot spots in the plastic. Additionally, the improved thermal conductivity can be beneficial in electronic applications – for example, a dissolvable circuit printed with this filament could better handle the heat from current flow or from environmental conditions than a pure polymer circuit.

• Unique Surface and Chemical Properties: Carbon nanotubes confer a very large surface area and can be functionalized for chemical interactions. Prints made with the CNT filament will have nanotubes exposed on the surface, potentially making them sensitive to gases or chemicals (useful for chemical sensors). CNTs can also absorb light strongly (the filament will appear black or dark due to the CNT content), which could allow optical or photovoltaic uses. In fact, CNTs are often used to broaden light absorption in composites. Although this particular filament is aimed at general CNT applications, the presence of nanotubes means it could interact with electromagnetic radiation – for instance, serving as a light-absorbing coating or a microwave/radar-absorbing material (stealth applications). Moreover, nanotubes might improve the tribological properties (wear resistance) of the printed material, since carbon nanotubes can act as tiny fibers that reduce friction on the surface.

In summary, the infusion of carbon nanotubes transforms the TimeMass filament into a multi-functional material. It gains properties akin to an engineered composite: higher strength-to-weight ratio, electrical and thermal functionality, and responsiveness. Notably, these enhancements come without sacrificing the dissolvable, eco-friendly nature of the base polymer. As one study succinctly noted, using CNTs as the functional phase in an FDM filament can achieve improved mechanical properties along with electrical conductivity, unlike metallic fillers which often weaken the plastic. This makes TimeMass CNT filament a candidate for advanced prototypes and research, where one material can serve both as a structural component and as an active functional element.

Click here to access our new and improved TimeMass GPT Assistant. Just tell it your printer model and the TimeMass filament you're using—it will instantly recommend the exact parameters you need to start printing successfully.

1. Introduction
These parameters are designed to help avoid printing issues; however, temperatures and speed timings can be adjusted based on your specific goals. For example, if you prefer a less rigid result, we recommend using a lower temperature. This section outlines a complete slicing and printing profile for TimeMass Photovoltaic, tailored for printers with a 0.8 mm nozzle. If the print is not being successful, please lower the nozzle temperature by 10°C and start over until an optimal print is achieved. Please check the manual for printing parameters.

2. Temperature Settings
2.aNozzle Temperature: 230°C — Optimal for flowability while avoiding decomposition (which begins around 250°C).
2.bBed Temperature: 75°C — Ensures strong first-layer adhesion and prevents moisture bubbling.
2.cNozzle Temperature Range: 230–245°C — Timeplast melts around 165°C but prints best at 240°C for precise viscosity control.

3. Cooling Settings
3.aNo Cooling for First Layers: 3 layers — Prevents shrinkage due to rapid cooling of moisture-rich filament.
3.bFan Minimum Speed: 0% for the first 100 seconds — Allows heat retention during early layers.
3.cFan Maximum Speed: 15% starting at 8 seconds — Avoids overcooling that can lead to warping.
3.dKeep Fan Always On: OFF — Allows vapor to escape and avoids internal fogging.
3.eSlow Down for Cooling: ON — Improves surface finish with controlled cooling.
3.fForce Cooling for Overhangs: OFF — Overcooling can deform bridges in Timeplast.
3.gFan for Overhangs: 15% — Only for essential cooling in complex areas.
3.hPre-Start Fan Time: 2 seconds — Minimizes pressure differential during the first layer.

4. Volumetric Flow
4.aMax Volumetric Speed: 12 mm³/s — Based on a melt flow index of ~15 g/10min, allows high-speed printing.
4.bRamming Speed: 3 mm³/s — Prevents bubbles or popping from pressure spikes.

5. Retraction and Flow
5.aRetraction Distance: 0.4 mm — Minimal retraction required for soft filaments to avoid stringing.
5.bRetraction Speed: 15 mm/s — Slow enough to avoid pulling molten plastic.
5.cPressure Advance: 0.05 — Compensates for nozzle lag at high flow rates.
5.dFlow Ratio: 92% — Slight under-extrusion avoids swelling and surface artifacts.

6. Precision Settings
6.aGap Closing Radius: 0.1 mm — Tolerant of gaps in thicker walls.
6.bArc Fitting: ON — Reduces G-code size and smooths curve transitions.
6.cElephant Foot Compensation: 0.1 mm — Offsets squishing in the first layer caused by large bead sizes.

7. Walls and Shells
7.aWall Loops: 2 — Minimum for strength when using a 0.8 mm nozzle.
7.bDetect Thin Walls: ON — Ensures tight geometries aren’t skipped.
7.cTop/Bottom Shell Layers: 3 — Provides good coverage; increase if watertightness is needed.
7.dTop/Bottom Thickness: 1.2 mm — Equals 1.5x the nozzle size for solid strength.
7.eTop/Bottom Pattern: Monotonic — Distributes tension evenly and improves surface finish.

8. Geometry and Movement
8.aWall Order: Inner before Outer — Creates cleaner outer surfaces.
8.bInfill First: OFF — Maintains precise outer dimensions.
8.cSmooth Speed Transition: ON — Prevents ringing caused by abrupt speed changes.
8.dSmooth Coefficient: 80 — Ideal damping for soft materials.
8.eAvoid Crossing Wall: ON — Minimizes stringing across part walls.
8.fMax Detour for Crossing: 10 mm or 5% — Balances time with print cleanliness.

9. Layer and Width Settings
9.aLayer Height: 0.3 mm — Optimal for strength and resolution using a 0.8 mm nozzle.
9.bInitial Layer Height: 0.35 mm — Slightly higher to improve adhesion.
9.cLine Widths (all): 0.8 mm — Matches nozzle diameter for consistent extrusion.

10. Seam Settings
10.aSeam Position: Aligned or Back — Use aligned for mechanical consistency, back for visual appeal.
10.bSmart Scarf Seam: ON — Automatically adjusts seam location to reduce visual impact.
10.cSeam Angle: 155° — Standard seam angle for clean transitions.
10.dSeam Steps: 10 — Smooths seam path and improves visual finish.

11. Infill Settings
11.aWall/Infill Overlap: 10% — Prevents infill from deforming soft exterior walls.
11.bInfill Combination: ON — Consolidates paths for efficiency.
11.cDetect Floating Shells: ON — Ensures unsupported vertical structures are printed reliably.
11.dSparse Infill Density: 20–25% — Balanced rigidity vs. material use.
11.eSparse Pattern: Grid — Stable and efficient for flexible geometries.

12. Speed Settings
12.aTravel: 160 mm/s — Fast but safe against backlash.
12.bInitial Layer: 15 mm/s — Prevents nozzle from skimming and ensures bed adhesion.
12.cOuter Wall: 60 mm/s — Controlled speed for surface quality.
12.dInner Wall: 90 mm/s — Slightly faster without compromising control.
12.eSmall Perimeter: 35 mm/s — Reduced speed for detailed geometry.
12.fTop Surface: 40 mm/s — Improves finish on topmost layers.
12.gInfill: 100–120 mm/s — Takes advantage of high flowability.

13. Acceleration Settings
13.aNormal Print: 2000 mm/s² — Prevents ringing in soft filaments.
13.bTravel: 4000 mm/s² — Enables fast movement without harsh transitions.
13.cInitial Layer: 300 mm/s² — Gentle movement prevents lifting from the bed.
13.dOuter Wall: 1500 mm/s² — Improves outer surface clarity.
13.eInner Wall: 2000 mm/s² — Balanced for structural components.
13.fTop Surface: 1500 mm/s² — Ensures smooth detailing.

14. Adhesion and Brims
14.aSkirt Loops: 2 — Helps prime nozzle and start cleanly.
14.bBrim Width: 6 mm — Helps hold soft materials down.
14.cBrim Gap: 0.15 mm — Allows for easy removal without tearing.

15. Prime Tower and Flush Settings
15.aPrime Tower: ON — Purges moisture and early flow inconsistencies.
15.bTower Width: 40 mm — Prevents collapse due to heat.
15.cBrim Width (Tower): 4 mm — Adds stability to the purge base.
15.dFlush Into Support: ON — Discards unwanted early flow safely.

16. G-Code Start Script

M900 K0.05 ; Pressure Advance M106 S0 ; Fan off G92 E0 G1 E15 F300 ; purge line G92 E0

17. Additional Notes
17.aDry filament at 155F for 2 hours before use.
17.bStore with desiccant.
17.cKeep extruder door open to allow vapor to escape.
17.dAvoid long dwell times at high temperatures.

If you need any other assistance, feel free to reach out to us anytime at timeplast@timeplast.com — we’ll be happy to help.

IMPORTANT: 

TimeMass functional filaments are designed for advanced users, innovators, and professionals who understand and assume the risks associated with handling active or reactive materials. Some products in the TimeMass line contain biologically active, chemically reactive, or potentially toxic substances—including but not limited to: boric acid, sodium fluoride, insecticides, antifungal agents, and rodenticides.

By purchasing or using these products, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• Use Responsibly: These materials are intended for experimental, industrial, or educational purposes only. They are not toys, and should be kept out of reach of children and pets at all times.

• Proper Handling Required: when using reactive filaments, always wear appropriate personal protective equipment when handling, printing, or disposing of filaments that may contain toxic or irritant ingredients. This may include gloves, masks, and adequate ventilation.

• Do Not Ingest: Any food-themed or bait filaments (e.g. Fish Food, Rat Bait, Bug Attractor) are not meant for human consumption and may be toxic if ingested. Avoid all direct contact with mouth, eyes, or open wounds.

• Liability Waiver: Timeplast assumes no responsibility or liability for misuse, improper handling, or unauthorized applications of these products. End users are solely responsible for evaluating the suitability and safety of the materials for their intended use.

• Local Laws Apply: Always follow local regulations regarding the use of antimicrobial agents, pesticides, or bioactive substances in your region or country.