3D Printing of Self‐Wiring Conductive Ink with High Stretchability and Stackability for Customized Wearable Devices. Issue 9 (4th August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yoon, In Seon; Oh, Youngsu; Kim, Sun Hong; Choi, Junhee; Hwang, Yooji; Park, Cheol Hwee; Ju, Byeong‐Kwon
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials technologies. Volume 4:Issue 9(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-08-04
• Subjects: 3D printing -- Ag flake -- capacitive sensor -- stretchable conductors -- wiring; Materials science -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Materials science; Technological innovations; Periodicals; 620.1105
• DOI: 10.1002/admt.201900363
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-709X

Abstract

Abstract: The progress in 3D printing research has led to significant developments ranging from customized printing to rapid prototyping. However, the 3D printing of electrodes, especially stretchable electrodes for the fabrication of 3D printable electronic devices, is challenging due to the inherent weakness with respect to the printing material. A novel preparation method is reported for a 3D printable conductive ink with a self‐wiring effect during heat treatment, which pushes the silicone rubber outward and results in the accumulation of the conductors within the wire. This effect results in the formation of a polymer shell around the conductor, thus yielding conductors with larger stretchability and soft passivation characteristics. The conductive ink is prepared via the following steps: i) mixing of conductive filler, silicone rubbers, and solvent; followed by ii) soft heat treatment for soft curing and solvent evaporation. Furthermore, a capacitive sensor is fabricated using this dielectric polymer layer. As a demonstration, a mouse controller is fabricated using a capacitive sensor array prepared using the conductors developed in this study. Abstract : 3D printable conductive ink with multiple 3D printing characteristics is prepared by self‐wiring and stirring with heating. The self‐wiring effect, which involves pushing of silicone rubber outward and accumulation of conductors within wire, enhances stretchability and electrical properties. Stirring with heating results in high viscosity and long curing time. A capacitive sensor with orthogonally printed electrodes is fabricated as an application.