Printing and patterning of clay-based nanocomposites for healthcare and sustainable applications

Clay-based nanocomposites (CBNC) contain one or multiple clay materials within a matrix system (typically a polymer). There is a growing interest in clay nanocomposites due to their unique properties, such as increased mechanical strength, thermal stability, gas barrier properties and flame retardancy. Due to clay’s abundance and low toxicity, clay nanocomposites offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials in various fields, making them an essential component in the pursuit of healthcare and sustainable applications. Recently, the printing of clay nanocomposite has emerged as an active research topic thanks to the benefits of additive manufacturing, such as rapid prototyping, on-demand manufacturing and low-cost fabrication of complex structures. This review aims to summarize the recent progress in 3D-printed CBNCs and potential printable CBNC systems. In addition, research challenges and opportunities are also discussed in healthcare and sustainable applications, emphasizing their potential for future developments in these fields. Graphical abstract