Acoustic levitation offers a containerless environment for studying the ultraviolet (UV) curing of particle composites to support goals for in-space manufacturing. In this study, samples composed of a..
Acoustic levitation offers a containerless environment for studying the ultraviolet (UV) curing of particle composites to support goals for in-space manufacturing. In this study, samples composed of a photopolymer resin mixed with alumina or regolith powders were prepared as slurries. Acoustic levitation was used to suspend the droplets during UV exposure, enabling curing without contact with a container or mold. Optical microscopy studies reveal the effect of the contactless manufacturing process on particle dispersion. The study demonstrates that acoustic levitation shows potential as a contactless environment for investigating the manufacturing of particle composites relevant to in-space and microgravity manufacturing environments.